'People are cold in their beds' - soaring fuel prices impacting Limerick households

CONCERNS have been raised over ‘soaring’ fuel prices, as fears grow that some people in Limerick are “cold in their beds” because they cannot afford to pay for heating.

Fine Gael councillor Adam Teskey raised the issue at the March meeting of the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District, calling on the district and other councils to “write to government on the soaring fuel prices” being experienced across the country as a result of the Gulf conflict.

He expressed his concerns amid the sharp rise in costs, warning that “people are cold in their beds now at night.”

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Cllr Teskey’s proposal was seconded by Independent Ireland councillor John O’Donoghue

During a separate discussion about the delivery of social housing across the district, Cllr Teskey said many people are “finding it hard to find the will to live” as “there is no light at the end of the tunnel” when it comes to issues such as electricity, heating, and housing.

He warned that the ongoing “fuel escalation will make these issues worse”.

Cllr Teskey also raised concerns about electricity costs during a discussion on a motion he tabled regarding how complaints about wind turbine noise and shadow flicker are assessed.

Despite initiatives to expand renewable energy sources such as wind turbines and solar panels, he said “the grid can’t take it”.

He told the meeting he is aware of several solar farms that are unable to operate because of capacity issues (with the grid). He added that the country has seen electricity prices “go through the roof” in recent times.

“The person penalised most is those at the back of an ESB bill,” said Cllr Teskey, arguing that ordinary consumers are bearing the consequences of rising costs rather than central government.

Cllr Teskey also told the meeting there is currently “a record high number of people in electricity arrears” both in Limerick and across the country.

He said these issues have “come to the forefront in the last couple of weeks” amid rising fuel prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, adding that the government must act to support people across Ireland.