A disability advocate from Ballyjamesduff has today expressed disappointment over the Government's package of measures to help with rising fuel prices stating that it "didn't go as far as hoped."
David Cahill said he heard on Monday from the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association of an impending price drop of around 8 cents per litre of diesel and 5.5 cents per litre of petrol.
He said this price adjustment is completely independent of any action taken by Government and are a result of falling oil prices on the international markets.
Mr Cahill said yesterday's announcement of a further 22 cents per litre reduction for diesel and 17 cents per litre of petrol will go a long way to helping people who commute to work or rely upon a car for travel to medical appointments, work or for other tasks.
Despite this, the local disability advocate said he was most disappointed in the lack of movement on the price of home heating oil and on those in electricity arrears.
According to the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities 319,459 people could not pay energy bills in December.
Mr Cahill said it's important for those most vulnerable to know that there are supports out there available to them.
Speaking to Northern Sound, he explained: "Average electricity arrears is €466. Just over 25% of gas customers are in arrears by an average of €192 with a number of both being for a period in excess of 90 days.
"I was one of many who supported efforts by the Disability Coalition since Budget 2026 was announced for a targeted emergency winter payment of €400 to people with disabilities and the elderly.
"An extra four weeks of Fuel Allowance (€152) is not even half the amount yet prices have risen for kerosene by 70% since the end of February. Regrettably €400 would need to be €600 or €700 to assist the most vulnerable with heating their homes.
"The advice has to be if you are experiencing energy poverty there are supports available from the Department of Social Protection Community Welfare Service in the form of an Additional Needs Payment and or Heating Supplement. If you are in arrears with your electricity and or gas service please talk to your supplier around a payment plan.
"For those who need additional advice MABS the Money Advice and Budgeting Service is available to provide assistance with negotiation & advocacy, Budgeting and Financial Assessment, check if you're registered as a vulnerable customer with your supplier and potentially put a stay on a disconnection order while a solution is found."
