A Donegal councillor says people living in homes affected by defective concrete blocks are being hit hardest by soaring oil prices.
Councillor Joy Beard has warned that families across the county are facing ‘enormous pressure’ as the cost of home heating oil continues to rise sharply due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
“Families living in homes damaged by defective concrete blocks are already facing huge heating bills. Because of the cracks in the walls, the cold and damp enter the home while heat escapes, meaning families have to burn far more heating oil simply to try to keep their homes warm,” said Cllr Beard.
“With the price of heating oil now reaching €850 for 500 litres, this is placing even greater financial pressure on households that are already under enormous stress.”
Cllr Beard also highlighted the wider impact of rising fuel costs on families across the county.
“Donegal is a vast county and public transport options are extremely limited.
“For many people, driving is the only way to get to work, bring children to school, attend hospital appointments and carry out everyday tasks.
“Rising petrol and diesel costs are adding further pressure to already stretched household budgets.”
Cllr Beard said she has written to the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Simon Harris, as well as Minister Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy and the Department of Transport, urging urgent government action.
“I have written to both Ministers asking that the Government urgently examine the tax burden on petrol, diesel and home heating oil, and recognise the very real pressures families in Donegal are facing.
“These increases are placing enormous strain on households, particularly those already dealing with the defective concrete crisis.”
