Government must oppose gas price increase – Ní Shluáin
Navan Town Councillor, Sinn Féin’s Caoimhe Ní Shluáin has described the proposed 22% increase in gas prices as a retrograde step that will have a disproportional affect those on low and middle incomes.
Cllr Ní Shluáin said “The gas users of Navan will be shocked at such a high increase in fuel charges. The least well off are being hit from every angle with, new charges and cuts in wages. This increase also comes in a week when the government announced its €100 Household Charge”.
Speaking in Navan this week Ní Shluáin said:
“News of the proposed gas price increase this week came just as the government was announcing changes to the JLC wage agreements, this will be disastrous for the people of Navan who utilize gas for basic needs such as heating and cooking”.
“Since this government took power the least well off have been hit from every angle with increased prices, new charges, cuts in wages and cuts in public services, all implemented to pay bankers and bondholders”.
“This government needs to realise that many people in today’s Ireland are at breaking point and need to be protected from such things as gas price increases”.
“Figures released this week show that 1,300 gas and electricity users per month are being cut off, so how can people be expected to absorb this extra cost? The answer is that many of them simple won’t be able to".
“The government cannot stand by and let this happen. The regulator is to make a final decision at the end of August after a consultation process. The government should halt any increase.”
