Latest Laois News: Online Cost of Living Meeting for Laois People
Sinn Féin TD’s to host online meeting on the Cost of Living Crisis in Laois/Offaly
Sinn Féin will host an online meeting on Monday the 21st of February at 7 pm on the Cost of Living Crisis that is impacting people living in the counties of Longford, Westmeath, Monaghan, Laois, Offaly and Carlow.
The party’s Dáil spokesperson on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands, Claire Kerrane TD, will be the keynote speaker at the meeting where she will discuss the findings of her cost of living survey carried out prior to Christmas.
Sinn Féin’s Agriculture Spokesperson, Monaghan TD Matt Carthy, will host the online event that will also include a contribution by Chris Mac Manus MEP.
Speaking in advance of the meeting, which will take place online via Zoom, local Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley said “The cost of living crisis in this state is having a real impact on the quality of life for workers and families across counties across the State not least in my own constituency of Laois/Offaly where many people are struggling to make ends meet.
“Rents have risen on average by 8.3% in the past 12 months while CSO figures show that since October 2020 house prices have increased by 13.5% across the state, with the median new build house price for first time buyers now at €343,000.
“We also know,” that inflation is rising at record levels and the CSO’s Consumer Price Index late last year has shown that energy prices are up by 25%, while the cost of home heating oil has soared by a staggering 71%.
“These realities were reflected in the Cost of Living survey results published by my party colleague Claire Kerrane TD in November. Over 14,500 people responded to the survey with the majority of those working full time (55%) struggling to cover basic essentials.
“It is clear that we have a cost of living crisis and Sinn Féin believes that it is time for a bailout for workers and families.
“At Monday’s Zoom meeting, we are hoping to hear from workers and families and those who are on the frontline helping those who are struggling to make ends meet. We are inviting people to join us online and share their experiences as well as hearing Sinn Féin’s proposals for dealing with the cost to the living crisis in this state.”