Retail Ireland Budget 2026 Submission
Retail Ireland has published its pre-Budget 2026 submission, setting out the priorities of Ireland’s retail sector ahead of the Budget in early October. Representing over 300,000 employees across the country, the retail sector is a vital driver of jobs, economic activity, and community life.
This submission outlines the key challenges retailers face, including rising labour and operating costs, skills shortages, retail crime, urban centre vitality, and the green transition. It also proposes practical solutions to support sustainable growth, safeguard jobs, and strengthen Ireland’s towns and cities.
Key Priorities:
- Address Rising Employment and Business Costs – Measures to offset labour cost pressures, including PRSI relief, sub-minimum wage retention, and Small Benefits Exemption flexibility.
- Invest in Future Retail Skills – Increased support for apprenticeships, training, and Skillnet networks to ensure a skilled and motivated workforce.
- Tackle Retail Crime – A national Retail Crime Strategy, legal protections, Garda collaboration, and SME crime-prevention grants.
- Support Urban Centres – Revitalisation of Dublin and other towns, full implementation of the Dublin City Centre Taskforce recommendations, and expansion of the model nationwide.
- Accelerate the Green Transition – Incentives and grants for energy efficiency, low-carbon fuels, circular economy initiatives, and SME sustainability tools.
Retail Ireland’s submission demonstrates the sector’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the wider community, while highlighting the urgent need for Government support to maintain competitiveness and protect jobs.