The Affordable Ireland Campaign has called a protest to demand real action on energy costs.
It will be held at 5.30pm on Wednesday March 25th at Dáil Éireann.
In a statement the Campaign said:
“Trump's war is having a devastating impact on energy prices. Already home heating oil is up by 44%. Petrol and diesel prices are also up. As the war goes on electricity and gas bills will, according to some experts, go up by as much as €800 per year.
"Even before the war energy costs were out of control. It is estimated that electricity costs had risen by over 70% since the end of 2020. Ireland's electricity prices are 24% higher than the EU average.
"Over 320,000 people are in arrears for electricity and 30% of household are in fuel poverty at a time when energy companies are making large profits.
"Yet in the last budget, the government removed energy credits and other supports which will lead to increased poverty levels this year.
"It has promised some action but all the signs are it will be extremely limited.
"We need urgent action now:
· Reintroduce energy credits
· Cap prices and reduce excise and vat rates on home heating oil
· Extend the fuel allowance and make an urgent double payment
· Pay an emergency disability payment of €400"
On Wednesday the Dáil will be voting on a Sinn Féin bill to reduce excise duty on a number of fuels. The Campaign has called on people to gather at the Dáil.
It said we need to up the pressure on the government for real action on energy costs.
The Affordable Ireland Campaign is supported by Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn. The Irish Senior Citizens Parliament, Irish Wheelchair Association, Disability Federation of Ireland, Disabled Women Ireland, Access for All, Irish Traveller Movement, UCD Students Union, Postgraduate Workers Organisation, Dublin Council of Trade Unions, UNITE, Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed, Sinn Féin, Social Democrats, People Before Profit, Solidarity: The Socialist Alternative, The Green Party, Labour Party, Muslim Sisters of Éire, European Anti-Poverty Network Ireland.
The demands underpinning the campaign are to
1. Cut energy costs - energy credits and abolish standing charges.
2. Reduce and control grocery prices.
3. Introduce a Living Wage. For Above-Inflation pay, social welfare benefits and pension rises
4. Introduce a cost of disability payment. For an emergency winter payment for disabled people and carers
5. Freeze and cap rents – and build public housing.
6. Abolish fees for public services - college, childcare, health and GP care.