Dublin people should not pay for Government mistakes this winter, says councillor

The people of Dublin cannot be forced to pick up the tab for poor planning and lack of foresight by the Government this winter, says Cabra councillor Declan Meenagh

Meenagh’s call comes after reports that Dublin homes may experience power cuts in the coming months.

“A number of people in Dublin have mentioned their concerns to me about the looming energy crisis,” he says.

“The lack of clarity from Government on the plan in the event of a blackout energy crisis is extraordinary and is sounding alarm bells across the country.

“The Commission for Regulation of Utilities warned last week that people will face higher charges due to record demand and reduced supply.

“Prices have already massively increased and now they’re being told more are to come.

“Yet, in all of this it’s not clear who is actually in charge of keeping the lights on in Ireland this winter,” he says.

Meenagh says that the Government should reassure people following a difficult 18 months.

“The constant kite flying and bandying around of terms like ‘blackouts’ is very unfair to people – government should know it causes alarm and anxiety,” he says.

“After a hard year for all, what people want is some certainty and the increased alarm around whether we’ll have the energy to light our Christmas trees this year is hugely concerning.

“People are already feeling the cost of living in their pockets, we can’t have them feeling the cold in their homes too.

“It now looks like much of this energy crisis has been driven by this government’s devotion to building data centres.

“With these centres soaking up to 25% of our power, it looks like we have a government sleepwalking this country into an energy crisis.

“The budget is an opportunity to abate people’s fears. Government must take action to stop the crisis coming now – like broadening the means tested fuel allowance – as well as more long term steps – like providing incentives to encourage more people to install solar panels.

“We cannot have people going cold this winter.

“It cannot be ordinary people in Dublin who pay the price for government incompetence in managing Ireland’s energy capacity.

“With many people continuing to work from home during the winter, how will people heat their homes without fearing insurmountable energy bills?”