The Minister of the Environment, Climate, and Communications, Eamon Ryan, mentioned that the government needs to look at similar and potential measures for this year’s budget to support struggling fuel payers with bills due to rising energy costs. The increased energy costs depend on various international factors.
Government to help those struggling with increasing fuel bills – Ryan
They included increasing prices for gas, which hikes up the costs of electricity. The increase directly affects the qualified child allowance, the living at home allowance, and the fuel allowance to protect people against fuel poverty. The country’s largest gas-fired power plants experienced outages over the last year. However, they expected a comeback within two months. According to the minister, this should see the country through the winter. He mentioned some older power plants, like Moneypoint and Tarbert – which the government wants to convert to cleaner fuel systems and replace with new plants.
In subsequent winters, the government will have “to engage in auctions that bring on that alternative balancing power,” he added. Chief Executive of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) William Walsh says it is essential than ever to accelerate the deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies and increase sustainable energy practices across all sectors.
Societal movement to end fossil fuel use needed – SEAI
Mr. Walsh continues that road transport emissions are almost back to pre-pandemic levels, and change is needed to meet the climate challenge. Almost 60% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions arise from using energy for electricity, heat, and transport. The Covid-19 lockdowns have brought less traffic, and a collapse in air transport hugely affected that. The result was 11.5% fewer emissions linked to energy use and saved 4.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. However, Mr Walsh warns that diesel and petrol use is back up to pre-pandemic levels. He mentioned that a societal movement to end the use of fossil fuels is now required.
Increase in fuel allowance likely to form part of Budget 2022
Furthermore, an increase in the fuel allowance and a widening of the eligibility criteria for the payment are likely to form part of the budget discussion. The Covid-19 crisis influenced the previous year’s budget, and this year it will take centre stage because of the crucial set-pieces in the political calendar.
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath said this year’s budget would be progressive. He added it would seek to improve living standards and work towards economic and social recovery of the pandemic. For more insights on the budget and fossil fuel discussion, keep your eye on us as we bring you the latest news.
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