THE Government’s unwillingness to cap energy prices, along with an increase in carbon tax, has put 35,000 Limerick households into energy poverty.
That’s the claim of Independent Rural Ireland TD Richard O’Donoghue, whose remarks come ahead of plummeting temperatures this week.
“As Christmas approaches, new research by the ERSI (Economic and Social Research Institute) confirms that almost two in every five households in Limerick are now in energy poverty due to continued rising fuel and electricity prices,” he stated.
“In fact, the latest data confirms that over the last five months, a further ten per cent – that is 8,000 households in Limerick – have entered energy poverty.”
However, the County Limerick politician believes that the crisis could be even worse than the latest research suggests.
“Many people are being forced into situations of deprivation because they cannot afford basic essentials.
“During this time, despite the severe crisis, the government has done little except distributing electricity credits that ultimately augment the profits of energy companies.
“The failure by the government to cap electricity prices and slash all energy taxes, to give people a break, is unforgivable.”
Deputy O’Donoghue went on to say that since 2020, the government has increased the climate or carbon tax by almost 150 per cent.
“The impact is driving up energy prices and the government plans to raise another €25 million from this tax in Limerick next year.
“Unfortunately, the carbon tax plan is solely about taxing money from people’s pockets to raise funds for the government. It has nothing to do with protecting the environment.
“Failure by the government to lower energy taxes or tackle the escalating energy costs coherently is the reason why 35,000 local households will face energy poverty this Christmas.
“These people are being abandoned. They can no longer afford to heat their homes. This is an inconceivable thought but, sadly, is a reality. How can the government let this happen?”
