Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has said the latest figures from the CRU on customers in energy debt show the need for Sinn Féin’s plan to transform the energy market and help lift workers and families out of debt.
The Dublin MEP said:
“It’s a real concern that the latest figures show that as many as 507,227 customers in arrears for both gas and electricity, with 356 homes being disconnected as a result.
“These numbers are the very real consequences for ordinary people of 14 years of failed policies from Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil, leaving us with the most expensive energy prices in Europe.
“The temporary measures taken by the government are not enough, only Sinn Féin has the plan to deliver a better, fairer alternative for energy.
Lynn’s party colleague, Darren O’Rourke explained:
“Sinn Féin has a plan to deliver a clean and reliable energy service that serves the people, not the shareholders of big companies.
“Our plan would reform a number of the inefficient issues that drive up the cost of energy here.
“A new, publicly-led facility will be established to secure stable, affordable prices directly from generators, giving certainty and stability to families and businesses.
“We would invest €2.5 billion into a renewable energy fund to expand public ownership of energy services as a necessity for the common good.
“Developing and improving the grid, as well as doing away with regressive taxes will also help make energy more affordable and ease pressure on ordinary people.
“Finally, we would ensure energy companies are held to account, and preventing them from hiking prices to rake in profits.
“Our plan offers a clear pathway to an affordable and stable energy system that forms a key part of our transition to cleaner, fairer and more affordable future for energy across Ireland.”
Note to editors:
1. CRU – Commission for the Regulation of Utilities
2. https://vote.sinnfein.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/SinnFeinManifesto2024.pdf
