Meath County Council adopts quarter billion euro budget

Meath County Council has adopted a massive budget of over a quarter billion - up €23.3 million, or 11.2 per cent on last year.

Councillors were unanimous in their support for the budget which will see no increase in either the Local Property Tax or the Commercial Rate.

The €232milllion budget sees increased spending on its services in almost every sector of council activity, including housing with a spend of €70,861,768 in 2025 compared to €65,008,986 this year.

The road transport and safety spend in the year ahead will be €62 million up from €55 million while spending on recreation and amenity will rise to €14.5 million up from €12.5million in 2024.

The council is expected to bring in over €55million - 24 per cent of its budget - in Commercial Rates and €17 million or seven per cent of its budget in Local Property Tax.

Grants an subsidies make up 40 per cent of its income at €92 million while goods and services will bring in 29 per cent or €66 million.

Chief Executive Kieran Kehoe said housing would be a top priority. The council has a target to deliver 1,525 additional social housing units up to 2026. It would deliver 1,664 units in that period, “well above the target” along with providing an extra €1.3m to homelessness services.