Move to tackle huge heating bills for Carlinn Hall in Dundalk

Louth TD Ruairí Ó Murchú has tabled an amendment to the Finance Bill which would allow companies like Frontline, who supply gas to communal heating systems like Carlinn Hall in Dundalk, to get funding from the government’s Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS) so residents’ bills would be reduced.

The Sinn Féin deputy raised Carlinn Hall a number of times in Leinster House in recent days, including with Finance Minister Pascal Donohoe at the Oireachtas Committee on Finance.

He also spoke during a motion debate on energy regulations proposed by the Rural Independents’ group.

Deputy Ó Murchú said the debate highlighted "how things are in the real world".

He said: "Some of my colleagues spoke about the weakness of the (energy regulator) CRU's remit and powers with regard to standing charges.

"There are huge anomalies. Many of us will have dealt with issues around communal or district heating systems that are fed by gas and the massive costs that people are facing as a result.

"I have had many interactions with the Minister of State, the Minister and anyone else who will listen in order to secure a solution for my constituents in Carlinn Hall.

"There was an anomaly there, like many instances before, to the effect that the CRU is not responsible. While some of this may be rectified, we need to do this as soon as possible and ensure that we have all the tools necessary to deal with the particular issues before our people now.

"At every point, there is someone in the market seeking to make money. That is capitalism. I suppose that it is unfettered, unchecked capitalism.

"We are all aware of the huge profits made by some of the energy suppliers internationally. We really need to get down to the crux of the matter so we can reduce the costs for the people as best we can. We know what needs to be done for businesses.

"As I have said before, we need to examine the temporary business energy support scheme in the context of mitigating the problems associated with communal heating systems.

"The long term fix is a renewable heat source but the amendment would be a help while this is being sorted.

"I will be raising this matter with the Minister for Finance later today. We really need to take action. We are not doing enough and not acting quickly enough."