Irish SMEs Demand Government Support Amid Rising Costs and Upcoming Pension Auto-Enrolment

Irish businesses face rising labor, supply, and energy costs while preparing for new pension rules. With an election approaching, small and medium-sized business owners shared their concerns with RTÉ News.

Celtic Roots Studio

Helen Conneely runs Celtic Roots Studio in Ballinahown, Co Westmeath. She uses bog oak from Lough Boora for her sculptures. Despite her effort to use recycled materials, she aims for greater sustainability. She plans to switch her diesel van to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), which she finds more cost-effective than an electric van.

Helen appreciates the Government’s Power Up Grant for energy costs, describing the application process as easy. However, she calls for another grant round focused on energy savings. She suggests businesses should submit bills to prove they have invested in green initiatives.

Bua Collective

Darina Dunne, who owns Bua Collective and chairs the Irish Physical Activity Alliance (IPAA), is concerned about a proposed VAT increase on gym memberships from 9% to 11%. She argues this increase would raise prices for gym-goers and hinder access to fitness during a health crisis.

Dunne emphasizes that most gyms are small businesses providing vital community services. She believes the proposed increase shows a lack of understanding about the health challenges facing the nation, particularly with an aging population. More support from the government for fitness businesses is essential for public health.

Keane’s Florist

Niamh Crowe runs Keane’s Florist in Galway and employs six people. She is worried about rising operating costs and their impact on small businesses. Niamh acknowledges the necessity of auto-enrolment for pensions but sees it as an added expense.

She warns that the closure of small businesses could jeopardize the character of Irish towns and villages. Niamh believes small retailers are crucial to local communities. Continuous cost increases leave many business owners questioning the viability of their operations.

The Lunch Bag / Fresh Today

Raymond Nangle is CEO of Fresh Today and The Lunch Bag, which together deliver 150,000 children’s lunches daily. He commends the government’s goal of providing free meals in primary schools but urges an update for secondary school meal rates.

He points out that the funding for secondary meals is outdated and doesn’t reflect current costs. Nangle wants ongoing indexation to ensure meal rates meet inflation. He believes this is vital for the sustainability of the meal service and the wellbeing of students.