A St Vincent de Paul representative in Co Cavan has warned that many families across the region are already going without heat in their homes due to rising costs.
Madeline Uí Mhealóid says the charity has seen a major spike in people reaching out since prises increased at the start of the month.
The local SVP rep welcomed the four week fuel allowance of €152 announced by Government this week.
Despite this, she said that Government measures won't do anything for the 320,000 people who are in arrears for electricity, adding that this number will only get worse.
Madeline warned that many older people in particular can't afford to heat their homes and with no reduction in heating costs, it's "astronomical" for them to afford oil.
Madeline highlighted that many households don't have a facility for a fire, therefore the charity can't give those in need a bag of coal as providing oil for people is out of the charity's remit.
The local SVP rep said she also feels for middle and lower earners who are not eligible for any assistance and therefore struggling the most.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Madeline says many in the region are going without heat.
