Local News
Minister Ryan Must Act On Energy Costs – Mulvihill Snr
- Share
- Tweet /home/eastcork/public_html/wdir/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 68
https://www.cobhedition.com/wdir/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/johnmulvihillsnr3.jpg&description=Minister Ryan Must Act On Energy Costs – Mulvihill Snr', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
In response to Minister Ryan’s defence of a 5% rise in electricity prices in the media, Labour Councillor John Mulvihill snr has called on the Minister to take action to ensure that consumers and small businesses are provided with support.
“The Minister has failed to keep electricity prices down and to protect competitiveness. This 5% increase in electricity prices will put a terrible strain on struggling SMEs and on households dependent on low incomes. There are specific measures that the Minister could put in place that would have an impact in keeping prices as low as possible. The Minister must ensure that precious funding allocated for insulation for householders is actually spent. It is incredible that €35 million was handed back in 2009 because Minister Ryan couldn’t manage to spend the money on these much needed insulation schemes.
Cll Mulvihill continued “The Minister refers to €600 million taken from the big power companies (including ESB), which he claims was used to protect competitiveness and keep prices low. However, this subvention was restricted to Large Energy Users and should be extended to small and medium enterprises many of whom are based here in East Cork. Minister Ryan has also praised the role of the Regulator in its role in bringing about price decreases for consumers but fails to point out that regulation in the electricity market has kept ESB prices artificially high. The Minister must act on these specific measures. He must ensure that the crazy plan from the Energy Regulator to force the ESB and Bord Gais to change the brand names of their retail sectors is scrapped. If this totally unnecessary plan goes ahead it will result in a colossal waste of money which will be passed on to the consumer.
In conclusion Cllr Mulvihill stated “It is also essential that Minister Ryan clarifies precisely how the funds arising from the newly enacted legislation on the Carbon Revenue Levy will protect competitiveness. These funds should be ringfenced to ensure that it is directed to consumers and businesses.”
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Lusitania Commemoration events to take place in Cobh on Monday 6th May
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Get to Know Cobh Library
-
Local News2 days ago
Cobh-based TV Production start-up, Great Island Productions, has launched a crowdfunding campaign through the UK-based platform, Crowdcube
-
Announcements2 weeks ago
Cobh Flower and Horticulture Club next meeting Monday 13th May
-
Local Soccer2 weeks ago
RESULT: Cobh Ramblers 2-1 Bray Wanderers
-
Local News2 weeks ago
‘Paint Your Town Red’ – Up to €60,000 Worth of Paint to Be Given to Local Communities‘
-
Events & Entertainment1 week ago
SIRIUS ARTS EXHIBITION: Denilson Baniwa
-
Local News3 days ago
Mercy University Hospital Cork introduces Kids Packs to support families in the midst of End of Life Care
-
Events & Entertainment1 day ago
Inistioge Choir to Sing in Cobh
-
Local News3 days ago
Cork Harbour Festival 2024 Launch!