Budget 2025 has 'something to help everyone in Westmeath', says Burke
Budget 2025 has something to help everyone in Westmeath, whether a student, pensioner, parent or business owner, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD has said.
“At Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, funding has been secured for the expansion of the Emergency Department through the development of a new Respiratory Assessment Unit for both adults and children, which will be housed in the former outpatient department building,” he said.
“While the opening date has yet to be confirmed, once operational, the new unit will enhance efficiency by separating respiratory and non-respiratory patients at the ED, following a model that proved successful during Covid.
“In terms of transport, funding has also been secured for the Mullingar Town Bus Service, a vital project towards the town's growth that will improve business by increasing footfall, while reducing our dependence on cars."
Minister Burke added that local households and businesses will also benefit from Budget 2025.
“All households in Westmeath will benefit from a €250 energy credit, to be paid in two halves each side of the New Year, while a 1% reduction in USC, down to 3%, will also benefit all taxpayers in the county. We estimate the average worker will be €1,000 better off through supports announced in Budget 2025.
“A €12 increase to all weekly social welfare recipients and lump sums for those on the Fuel Allowance and Living Alone Increase, of €300 and €200 respectively, in addition to two bonus payments, all to be issued before the end of the year, will put some much-needed money back in people’s pockets for Christmas.
“Steps have also been made towards achieving Fine Gael’s goal for Ireland to become the world’s best country to be a child, including €700 worth of one-off payments being issued per child between now and December, free schoolbooks for senior cycle students and a €1,000 cut to third level fees.
“Businesses in retail and hospitality will also benefit from a €4,000 cash payment before the end of the year, an expansion of the 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity, as well as various other reliefs, will help SMEs going forward,” Minister Burke concluded.