Independent family owned food/convenience stores ‘deeply disappointed’ by Budget 2025
Budget 2025 does not provide the supports necessary for the survival of local independent shops: RGDATA at the Government’s Enterprise Forum
RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley told the Enterprise Forum on 16th October, jointly chaired by Ministers Dara Calleary and Emer Higgins, that independent family owned food/convenience shops and supermarkets were deeply disappointed that Budget 2025 did not provide the targeted supports they desperately need to fund huge increases in employment and other costs.
Buckley also highlighted the failure to include RVM machines in the Accelerated Capital Allowances Scheme despite assurances from Ministers; the failure to provide any supports for shops and supermarkets paying more than 30k in commercial rates and the deep concerns of independent retailers about the future of their businesses.
RGDATA also joined the SME day of protest to Leinster House the day before (15th October).
Dáil March to protest lack of SME supports in Budget 2025.
Photo by Siobhan Taylor
Led by Director Padraig Broderick and Director General Tara Buckley joined with hundreds of restaurant, café and pub owners to march in Dublin and rally outside Leinster House to highlight the huge concerns of SME family business owners in retail, hospitality and childcare.
RGDATA Director & Spar Croom owner, Padraig Broderick took to the stage at the SME Day of Protest at Leinster House and highlighted the huge challenges facing community shops and supermarkets. Padraig called for targeted action on Employment Costs and a better voice for SME businesses at the Government’s decision-making table.
