Deputy Tully said a Spring Bonus would make "a real difference" to so many people in this region.

People are extremely worried as to what the future winter months will bring says the local representative.

There is particular concern about household demand between 5pm and 7pm each day.

The ESRI expects GDP growth of 6.8 percent.

An ESRI study found 29% are struggling because of soaring energy cost.

Inflation rates could average out at 6.7% across the year, which would be the highest annual rate since 1984.

It's also been warned that there could be a rise in "hidden homelessness" across rural areas in the coming months.

The report also found that lone parents and their children account for 53 per cent of all homeless.