Irish consumers being "squeezed of every last cent"

Irish consumers are being "squeezed of every last cent" when it comes to energy prices, according to Independent TD for Offaly, Carol Nolan, who says it is having " a devastating ripple effect" across the entire economy.

Deputy Nolan has called on government to escalate the delivery of the Energy Affordability Action Plan report of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce. Her call follows on from the recent confirmation by the International Energy Agency (IEA) that Ireland has the highest electricity prices in Europe and one of the highest gaps between what it costs to produce energy and what it is sold for.

Having submitted parliamentary questions on the work of the Taskforce last month, the Offaly TD was told by Energy Minister, Darragh O’Brien, that Taskforce members were working to finalise the preparation of an interim report for consideration as part of the Budget 2026 process, in advance of further analysis and the publication of the Energy Affordability Action Plan.

“I find it extraordinary that the government only saw fit to establish the National Energy Affordability Taskforce in June when it has known for years of the need to identify a comprehensive range of solutions enabling households and businesses to avail of low-cost energy - that in itself is a masterclass in inertia“ she said

Deputy Nolan said there is "an urgent need" to address the structural reforms that are necessary within the energy sector to lower costs. She also called for energy suppliers to be "hauled in" in an effort to force accountability on them for "the scandalous prices that people are being asked to pay."