Thousands of Kilkenny workers make first pension contribution under new scheme

Nearly 15,000 people in Kilkenny have been enrolled

Published 30th Jan 2026, 18:00 BST Nearly 15,000 people in Kilkenny have been enrolled After coming into effect on January 1, the new pension auto-enrolment scheme, known as My Future Fund, has seen nearly 800,000 workers make their first contribution this week.

The initiative will provide a pension plan for those not already involved in one at their workplace and aims to address the gap for people without provisions for retirement.

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In figures announced by Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, 13,184 workers in Kilkenny have been enrolled and are now set up with a pension plan.

The scheme covers those between the ages of 23 and 60 who are earning more than €20,000 per year with 1.5% of wages being deducted in the initial phase.

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This contribution is matched by employers and the Government also adds €1 for every €3 deducted from workers.

The employee contribution rate rises to 3% between year four and six after enrolment, 4.5% from year seven to nine and 6% after 10 years.

Workers who don’t wish to continue making contributions can opt out after six months, while those who don't meet the age or earning criteria for auto-enrolment can still choose to opt in.

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