Waterford City and County Council has adopted its 2026 Budget, confirming a 3.5% Waterford commercial rates increase after a lengthy debate at City Hall.
The €207 million spend passed by 30 votes to two, with only Independent Councillor David Daniels and Social Democrats Councillor Mary Roche voting against it.
The Budget represents a €14 million rise on 2025, driven by inflation and increased service demands.
Council CEO Sean McKeown opened the meeting by outlining the spending priorities and addressed business concerns around the commercial rate rise.
CEO: Increase required to protect services
Sean McKeown said the Council understands the pain retailers are feeling, but stated that without the increase the authority would need to cut other areas, including housing maintenance, road works, street cleaning and festivals.
He noted that Waterford has not raised car-park charges under its control.
McKeown challenged claims that Waterford has the highest commercial rates in Ireland, highlighting that 71% of businesses pay €5,000 or less per year, meaning the increase amounts to under €3.50 per week for most.
He also referenced Small Firms Association research which found commercial rates account for less than 2% of operating costs for small firms, compared to labour, insurance, materials and utilities.
He said Waterford has “unrealised potential” and that passing the Budget supports housing delivery, public realm upkeep and events like Winterval and Spraoi, which help city footfall.
Budget proposed — and seconded
Labour councillor Thomas Phelan proposed adoption of the Budget, thanking staff for the work behind it.
Independent Joe Kelly seconded, saying businesses need support but so does the Council.
Most members described the Budget as balanced and necessary.
Independent Declan Barry welcomed it but asked that rate-increase notices clearly explain how to access grants and rebates.
Sinn Féin councillor Joeanne Bailey requested a retail liaison officer to support business engagement with schemes.
Opposition and amendment attempt
Councillor Mary Roche strongly objected to the rise saying that “retailers themselves need to do more, but when they say they are in pain we should listen” and proposed raising €1.2 million through reduced increases in other areas instead of lifting the commercial rate.
Councillors rejected this after she failed to find a seconder.
Sinn Féin councillor Jim Griffin thanked Roche for offering an alternative, but said he could not support reductions in housing or roads.
Griffin and Fine Gael’s Damien Geoghan both questioned whether supports are too difficult to access, given how few businesses apply.
Catherine Burke of Sinn Féin supported the Budget but urged members to lobby for higher central government funding, saying rate increases would be less necessary if allocations improved.
Fine Gael councillors Jim D’Arcy and Frank Quinlan both backed the Budget reluctantly, saying the money was required to maintain services.
Final vote — and political reaction
Councillors voted 30–2 in favour. Fianna Fáil’s Tom Cronin later told WLR that inflation left “no choice” but to pass the Budget, despite acknowledging business pressures.
Business owners express anger and concern
Reaction from the business community was sharp.
Jim Gordon (Revolution / Boxworks) said he cannot access support schemes due to his valuation level and called the increase “crazy, simply crazy.”
Aoife Fitzgerald (Fitzgeralds Menswear, Evolution, Hero’s) said the ongoing Waterford commercial rates increase, on top of last year’s 3% rise and auto-enrolment and wage costs, is “crippling.”
Elaine Roche (TRM Waterford & Tramore) said she felt “devastated” and claimed engagement with the Council changed nothing.
Brian Tynan (Phelan’s Pharmacy) criticised parking, access issues and said the Council failed to support retailers.
Dean Lavin (Gadget Man / Waterford Business Group) warned that businesses may close in the New Year because of the added financial strain.
A divided outcome — and a warning for 2026
The Budget passed, but the tone leaving City Hall was split. Councillors insisted funding must continue for services and growth, while business owners say rising costs threaten survival.
Waterford enters 2026 with investment secured, but with retailers signalling that some may not survive to see its benefits.
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