Draft Budget 2026

Funding will support delivery of over 1,000 local authority services

The members of Kerry County Council have approved a budget of €248m for the provision of local authority services in the county during the coming year. The budgetary provisions for the county for 2026 represent an increased investment and allocation of almost 10% on the previous year.

In recognition of the prevailing pressures on the business sector, there will be no change in commercial rates for 2026 and Kerry County Council will continue to work constructively with ratepayers to manage the rates demands for their businesses.

The budget, which was adopted at a meeting of Kerry County Council today, sets out substantial increases in investment and supports in key areas such as housing provision and maintenance, job creation and enterprise, community services and supports, and transport and climate resilience. The adoption of the Budget will allow for the delivery of over 1,000 local authority services across the county during the coming year and supports the delivery and maintenance of critical infrastructure and amenities across the county.

During 2026, there will be continued delivery of an ambitious and targeted three-year capital investment budget of €772m with a pipeline of further investment being developed.

In the area of housing, there is a substantially increased allocation for housing stock as well as addressing vacant units and putting in place a programme of planned maintenance. Investment will continue in key infrastructural projects including roads and transportation, the development of the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways, active travel programmes, tourism initiatives, and the progression of masterplans for several towns and Municipal Districts.

Provision is made for a new Placemaking Fund for voluntary groups who enhance their communities through local projects and activities as well as implementing the objectives of the Local Economic and Community Plan (LECP). Details of the Placemaking Fund will be announced in early 2026.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Foley, welcomed the adoption of the Budget, saying: “This substantial budget will enable Kerry County Council to continue to support the many services provided to our citizens and to enhance the county as a place to live, work and do business. The elected members will work closely with the executive to ensure that we deliver high-quality services and amenities to the people of Kerry during 2026.”