Wexford Faces Economic Disconnect in Budget 2026

Despite the national economy thriving, Wexford continues to grapple with slow growth and an economic disconnect that threatens the county’s future prosperity. Dr. Ray Griffin, a prominent economic analyst & lecturer with SETU, outlined Wexford’s struggles in stark terms on todays Morning Mix, revealing that while Ireland’s economy has surged by 40% since 2020, the Southeast, including Wexford, is seeing growth of just 3%. Dr. Griffin pointed out that this disparity is largely due to the region’s lack of access to high-quality jobs, with Wexford failing to attract the multinational companies that typically drive economic development. The report from the Revenue Commissioners confirmed this, showing that the region’s income tax receipts are 46% below the national average. Wexford, along with counties like Kilkenny, Carlow and Waterford falls significantly behind more prosperous areas in terms of earnings and job quality. The issue isn’t just economic stagnation; it’s a missed opportunity for the county. Dr. Griffin stressed that Wexford’s economy is struggling due to a lack of investment in key infrastructure, particularly in transport and education. For example, while the M11 has received significant investment, other critical projects within Wexford, including improved roads and better connectivity to nearby urban centers, remain underfunded. Dr. Griffin called for a more ambitious approach to capital investment, noting that between 2025 and 2030, €102 billion is earmarked for national capital projects. However, Wexford's share remains in question. Based on current projections, Dr. Griffin estimated that Wexford should receive around €3.16 billion, but he argued that the county is currently on track to get far less — around a third of that amount. “Wexford’s potential is enormous, but it needs the infrastructure to support it,” Dr. Griffin said. He emphasized the need for more ambitious projects to bridge the gap between the Southeast and the rest of Ireland. From expanding transport links to boosting higher education and public services, Wexford’s growth potential could be unlocked with the right investments. As Dr. Griffin concluded, "Once Wexford gets its fair share of investment, it will experience significant growth, but without that, we’re at risk of falling further behind."