A St Vincent De Paul representative in Cavan says soaring home heating oil prices are leaving many families unable to heat their homes.
Madeline Uí Mhealóid says the charity has seen a major spike in the number of people reaching out in recent days.
Overall, home heating oil here has risen at eight times the rate of the rest of the European Union.
In Ireland, prices increased by 27 point 3 per cent between February 23rd and March 2nd, while there was a 3 point 3 per cent rise everywhere else.
St Vincent de Paul reports a surge in calls for help with food and energy bills, with some parents going without to feed their children.
More than 300,000 households in Ireland are already in arrears on electricity bills.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan show this morning, Ms Uí Mhealóid said SVP is urging the government to cut fuel taxes immediately and provide emergency support for low-income families.
