Dara Calleary vows 'very substantial response' to rising energy costs in budget 2027

Minister Calleary says heating oil, diesel and petrol costs are top priority, but warns the State can't help “at every cost”

By Jack Good Published 28th Sep 2026, 12:00 BST Minister Calleary says heating oil, diesel and petrol costs are top priority, but warns the State can't help “at every cost” Dara Calleary, the Minister for Social Protection and Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, has said the Government will deliver a “very substantial response” to rising energy costs in the upcoming budget. He also cautioned that final negotiations are likely to run late.

Budget 2027 will be announced next Tuesday, October 6. Speaking as talks entered their final stage, the Mayo TD said his department is in “very detailed negotiations” with the Department of Public Expenditure. The talks cover the budgets for Social Protection and for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

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The Ballina-based Minister said last year's negotiations “went right to the wire.” He expects the same again, and has “no doubt” a final package will not be agreed until late next week.

The minister said the Government is “very focused on energy and the cost of energy.” He singled out heating oil as a particular concern, saying it is putting "extraordinary pressure" on people. He also pointed to the cost of diesel and petrol, which he said is hitting households, businesses, farmers and contractors.

“There will be a very substantial response to that,” he said. He added a note of caution: “We won't be able to help at every cost.”

Minister Calleary said he wanted to reassure people in his home county of Mayo, and across the country, who feel they are working hard while “the bills are just mounting up at the end of the day.”

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Energy costs have been a live political issue in Mayo for months. In March, local councillor Harry Barrett said the supports announced then barely made a dent for working households, and that a fill of home heating oil was costing well over €1,700 in some cases. Opposition parties have also been pressing the Government for stronger action ahead of the budget.

Minister Calleary did not say what form the energy measures would take, and none of the details of the final package have been confirmed.