Government failing on soaring energy bills – Bacik

• Renewables key to cutting household bills 

Labour Leader Ivana Bacik TD today challenged the Taoiseach in the Dáil over soaring energy bills and continued delays in delivering renewable energy projects, warning that families are being left exposed to rising costs while Government fails to act with urgency on climate and energy security.

Speaking during Leaders’ Questions, Deputy Bacik called for accelerated investment in offshore wind and solar energy, targeted energy credits for households, and a windfall tax on excessive fossil fuel profits, saying the continued delay to the Climate Action Plan and slow progress on renewables is driving up costs for ordinary people.

Deputy Bacik said:

“Families and workers are under huge pressure as energy, food and healthcare costs continue to rise. Too many households are now falling into arrears simply trying to keep up with basic bills. Ireland already has the highest household electricity prices in the European Union, yet this Government continues to offer sympathy instead of solutions.

“The Taoiseach’s response in the Dáil today once again avoided the central issue facing households: Government failure to deliver renewable energy that could permanently reduce costs. Instead, we are hearing distractions around nuclear energy that would take well over a decade to deliver, while families are struggling right now. 

“Ireland has enormous renewable energy potential, particularly in offshore wind and solar, but this Government has failed to match that with urgency or ambition. Labour has consistently argued that renewables are essential not only for climate action, but for reducing bills and improving energy security.

“The continued delay to the Climate Action Plan is unacceptable. At the same time, fossil fuel companies continue to post enormous profits while households struggle to cope. This Government could introduce a windfall tax on excessive profits to fund targeted energy credits and accelerate retrofitting and rooftop solar supports.

“Labour is calling for immediate action to accelerate renewable energy delivery, tackle profiteering and provide real protection for households facing spiralling bills. Families deserve affordable energy and a Government willing to act with urgency.”