Beyond the Budget is a blog that showcases the latest research from the Fiscal Council and its staff. We will be covering a range of topics. No matter what we write about, we aim to do it in a readable, engaging and accessible way.
The opinions expressed and arguments employed in these blogs do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Fiscal Council.
Planning, Permits and Public Investment: Clearing the Path
22 August 2025. Written by Niall Conroy, Brian Cronin and Killian Carroll.
This post explores some of the barriers to building key infrastructure in Ireland. It also examines the role public investment can play in upgrading Ireland’s infrastructure.
Concrete Problems: Ireland’s Infrastructure Shortfall
14 August 2025. Written by Niall Conroy
This post explores where Ireland’s infrastructure stands relative to other high-income European countries. It explores where Ireland’s infrastructure is lacking and how we can address these shortfalls in the coming years.
Tap to Track: Using Card Payments Data to Measure Real-Time Spending.
30 July 2025. Written by Killian Carroll.
This post explores some of the shortcomings in Ireland’s official consumer spending data. These include large and predictable revisions. This post shows how card payment data gives faster, more accurate insights into what households are really spending.
Corporation Tax – Plates Shifting
9th April 2025. written by Brian Cronin and Eddie Casey
This post explores how OECD tax reforms could impact on Irish corporation tax revenue. The new 15% rate is likely to raise substantial additional revenue. It will make Ireland’s corporation tax receipts even more concentrated among a handful of multinational companies.
