Covid type response from Government needed on energy crisis - Gallagher

The government needs to come up with a Covid emergency type response to deal with the energy crisis facing business and the community this winter, says a local senator.

Senator Robbie Gallagher was speaking after local businesses described the massive rise in their costs from one month to the next.

“There are local businesses who were with the Spanish company who have left the market and have found themselves on tariffs for both day and night time electricity of more than double their previous charges. They feel that they will be basically 'working to pay for electricity', others face huge increases as well. Businesses such as grocery retailers can’t just switch off because of the need for refrigeration for example. Their hands are tied and they need help,” said Senator Gallagher.

“The Climate Change Advisory Council has also called for swift and decisive action to support people and communities this winter by reducing Ireland's dependence on harmful fossil fuels and the accelerated roll-out of home energy upgrades such as attic insulation and draught and the simplification of the paperwork required to access SEAI energy upgrade grants and that is welcome, however, it won’t solve the immediate problem of severe cost inflation for both families and businesses.

The Fianna Fáil senator is calling for the government - which includes his own party - to take action to address the issue.

“We are facing one of the most challenging winters in a generation and it is imperative to protect the most vulnerable, including those in receipt of the winter fuel allowance, and people living in the worst performing buildings. Soaring energy costs are now a huge crisis facing the country and significant intervention by the Government is required.

“The Government stepped up to the mark with emergency measures during Covid in order to protect people, protect the standard of living and also protect businesses. This approach is needed again," he concluded.