Harris must act on energy costs, not commentate – Ahern
Harris must act on energy costs, not commentate – Ahern - The Labour Party
Labour’s climate and energy spokesperson Ciarán Ahern TD has criticised the Tánaiste following comments made on Saturday indicating that Government is considering once-off supports to help people reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Deputy Ahern said households facing soaring energy bills need sustained, practical supports, not vague commentary, and called on Government to urgently deliver measures that make the climate transition affordable for working people.
Deputy Ahern said:
“It is deeply frustrating to hear the Tánaiste speak about potential climate supports as if he is a commentator observing Government policy from the outside. He is not. He has been at the centre of Government for years, and families facing some of the highest energy costs in Europe need action, not vague signals about what might be considered.
“The reality is that Ireland now has the highest energy prices in Europe, and the pressure on households is set to worsen. The recent ESRI report made clear that additional network charges will add between €59 and €106 to people’s bills in the coming years. That is before further increases driven by global supply shocks. These are not abstract figures. These are real costs landing on homes across the country.
“PAYE workers need a break now. Working people are carrying the heaviest burden in this crisis, and Labour has been clear that targeted energy credits must be restored to support those struggling to keep up with rising bills.
“If we are serious about reducing reliance on fossil fuels, we must make the transition practical and accessible for ordinary households. That means moving beyond once-off supports and delivering sustained measures that bring down costs. Labour has consistently called for practical solutions that work in people’s homes. For example, simple, affordable plug-in solar systems, like those available in Germany and the UK, would allow households to generate their own electricity and cut bills without high upfront costs; a zero interest loan scheme would help to bridge the affordability gap for households who, even with SEAI grants, cannot afford to retrofit their home; and increased funding for the Warmer Homes scheme would help to reduce long wait-times and reach more low-income households.
“The Tánaiste must stop speaking in hypotheticals and start delivering concrete measures that reduce costs now and support people to move away from fossil fuels in a way that is fair and achievable. Government cannot treat this as an abstract policy debate. Energy costs are a cost of living issue, and they are hitting those on the lowest and middle incomes hardest. Every delay adds pressure and undermines public confidence in the transition.
“People cannot wait any longer. The time for commentary is over. It is time for delivery.”