Budget 2017 fairly distributes the limited resources that are available and will ensure that both existing and new jobs are supported, according to local Minister Denis Naughten.
Outlining the importance of the role of broadband in supporting these jobs, Minister Naughten said: “As part of the National Broadband Plan homes in rural areas will have access to 1,000 megabytes per second which will transform rural Ireland and provincial towns. In advance of this I will treble the capacity of both mobile broadband and wireless broadband which will help to bring a broadband service to many communities throughout the country.”
He added: “In addition, changes to the PRSI system for the self-employed mean that small business owners, farmers and tradespeople will now have access to a non means-tested payment for two years if they have a work related injury.
“The maintenance of the lower rate of VAT for tourism and the retention of the home renovation incentive scheme will also support local employers.
“The Budget also includes investment in energy efficiency which will support up to 60 locals jobs as well as reducing costs for business and home owners while additional supports for farming such as the new €25 million Sheep Welfare Scheme, access to low cost credit, changes to Farm Assist and VAT and self-employment credits will help maintain the fabric of many rural communities.
“The establishment of new uses for biomass crops such as willow and woodchip will help to support local farmers who wish to diversify and will create a new source of cash income as well as creating employment for contractors.
“This Budget is very much a first step and we hope over the term of this Government by working together in a spirit of co-operation we can deliver for every single community in Roscommon Galway,” concluded Minister Denis Naughten.