Gas Hike   – ‘A Sickening Blow’

September 3rd, 2013 – Seán Crowe TD

Dublin South West representative Seán Crowe TD has said that the announcement of another gas price increase by Bord Gáis will deliver a sickening blow to the pit of  many a household stomach  right across the country.

Crowe questioned the necessity of this latest hike and said it would create another unbearable burden on many families that are already struggling to meet payments.

Bord Gáis  have announced that the regulator has given them permission to increase gas bills by another 2%,

Deputy  Seán Crowe said:

“As we approach another winter this is not good news for  all those families and individuals who are already struggling to meet domestic bills.

“This shock announcement of another gas price increase  will deliver a sickening blow to the pit of many a household stomach  right across the country.

“I t will be the elderly, those with  disabilities, the unemployed, lone parent families and many others that are struggling on the margins of society that are certain to feel the brunt of this price increase.

“Fuel poverty is an issue that has yet to be taken seriously by ‘the powers that be’ in Ireland and this unwelcome price increase will do nothing to alleviate the growing problems that more and more people are facing with the winter almost on us.

This body blow that the regulator has given ‘the nod’ too will hurt the most vulnerable and deny comfort and warmth to thousands of our citizens.

“The price increase does not make sense, especially at a time when companies like Bord Gáis are in an extremely profitable and healthy financial position.

“The company’s annual financial report for 2012 outlined that they are performing well despite the on-going recession.

“More must be done by Bord Gáis to relieve the burden from households and struggling families.

“More must also be done by this Government as they cannot just walk away from this decision.”