‘Sometimes people won’t even open the bills’
Continuing inflation has also seen the cost of groceries and everyday items increase too, causing many to struggle.
People in Cavan are “really feeling the pinch” and are being forced to cut back on essentials as living costs continue to increase.
Basics, like the cost of groceries and heating, are now out of reach for some people locally, with organisations like Saint Vincent de Paul fielding increased calls.
“I’m just hoping the weather turns before the midterm break,” says Madeline Uí Mhealóid of SVP in Cavan.
“That’s always harder on mothers with children at home all day.”
Some, Madeline says, find themselves unable to afford oil and can’t run storage heaters because of the cost.
“We would have a lot of calls about that. Some people are going back to a Superser [gas heater] or something like that where they can control the cost. And all these people on prepaid meters can’t afford the electric heating because the cost of electricity has gone up so much.”
Continuing inflation has also seen the cost of groceries and everyday items increase too, causing many to struggle.
“Between the energy and the food, it’s really difficult for people. The €5 on the basic social welfare hasn’t covered that at all.”
Government measures
The Government announced a suite of measures in a bid to cut costs for people in light of rising inflation. A €200 electricity rebate will be paid, along with a €125 lump sum fuel allowance payment. Public transport costs will also be cut by 20%.
While measures like the electricity rebate are welcome and will make a difference for people according to Madeline, other measures to be introduced by the Government mean little to people in rural areas.
“If the VAT had gone down on fuel, that would have been a much better spending of it for country people. Those who are commuting to Dublin or driving long distances to work would have got a bit of a rebate on it.
“In rural Ireland, everybody needs a car. You needn’t be talking about public transport when you’re living in rural Ireland.”
A survey from SVP published last week showed the number of people struggling financially has doubled since the start of the pandemic. 17% of people cutting back on essentials like food, while half of renters worry about being able to pay their rent.
Madeline says this is reflected in Cavan and some of those seeking help are employed.
“People on the basic minimum wage also have a problem trying to make ends meet. They’re embarrassed to ask. We’d be saying to them ‘For goodness sake we’re only pleased to help’. We’ll always respond.”
Arrears
Anyone facing financial struggles is encouraged to reach out for help or advice from SVP or other organisations working in the area.
Madeline’s final word of advice to those with financial problems is to engage with companies, rather than try to ignore the issue: “There are an awful lot of bills outstanding. We’ve heard of somebody who has a €2,sw00 arrears with the ESB. How do you manage that? What I would say to people with arrears is to please contact your supplier. Don’t let it go without making contact. Sometimes people won’t even open the bills.”