Calls made on the Government to bring down energy costs for Tipperary households

Tipperary  county councillors have called on the Government to address rip off energy bills as 440,000 households struggle to cope.

Cllr Annemarie Ryan highlighted that while households are struggling to keep up with their bills, figures obtained by Sinn Fein show that the state has collected €2.5bn in five years in VAT from some of the highest energy bills in Europe.

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Cllr David Dunne stated that "families across Tipperary pay some of the highest energy bills in Europe. Due to Ireland having some of the highest cost of energy in Europe, we have seen on average half a billion euro being taken in VAT every year by the Government.

Cllr Ryan added '440,000 households across the State are behind on their energy bills and they wonder when will the price increases stop. Workers and families can't wait while this FF FG Ind Government sit on their hands during this cost-of-living crisis, we need a cost-of-living package that includes energy credits and an extension of VAT reductions.

Cllr Dunne stated that "The enormous profits of these energy companies are taking precedent over the needs of struggling workers and families. We need to freeze these soaring energy prices."

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“Government inaction heaps more and more pressure onto households struggling with the cost-of-living crisis. Households need to be supported, not hit with more costs" Cllr Ryan concluded.