FACTBOX-Ireland unveils high-spending 2021 budget

The Irish government on Tuesday unveiled its annual budget for 2021, announcing significant borrowing to support those most impacted by some of Europe's toughest COVID-19 restrictions, and to prepare for the threat of a no-trade-deal Brexit. Here are some of the key measures:

COVID-19 * Establishment of a 3.4 billion euro ($4 billion) recovery fund to focus on infrastructure development, reskilling and retraining, and supporting investment and jobs.

* Value-added tax for the hospitality sector cut to 9% from 13.5% until end of 2021 * Grants of up to 5,000 euros per week for firms unable to open due to specific COVID-19 restrictions. Grants based on 2019 turnover will be available for the duration of regional restrictions

* Extra 4 billion euros in spending for health services, including provision of personal protective equipment and additional hospital beds * 2.1 billion euros to be held in contingency for spending required in response to COVID-19

* Additional sector supports, including: 50 million euros for live entertainment; Arts Council funding increased by 50 million euros; 36 million euros in funding for Sport Ireland HOUSING

* 5.2 billion euros provided to the housing department, up 773 million euros compared to 2020 and a record level of funding * 500 million euros will be directed towards capital expenditure to facilitate construction of 9,500 new social housing units in 2021

* Government extends subsidy for first-time home buyers to the end of 2021 OTHER

* Carbon tax to rise by 7.50 euros from 26 euros to 33.50 euros per tonne next year; 100 million euros of carbon tax revenues to be invested in energy efficiency * 1 billion euro investment in public transport, with a focus on climate transition

* Total infrastructure investment by the state of over 10 billion euros for the first time, with investment focused on climate, healthcare, public housing, transport and education. * New multi-annual capital funding for cross-border projects with Northern Ireland of 500 million euros over 5 years. ($1 = 0.8487 euros)

 

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