Leitrim TD slams Government as ‘scandalous’ as energy credits ruled out of Budget 2026

Sligo-Leitrim TD Martin Kenny is calling for the return of energy credits as part of a cost-of-living package in the next Budget amid record numbers of households in energy arrears.

It has been confirmed that energy credits to help with electricity and heating costs will not be included in the 2026 Budget, despite Ireland having some of the highest energy prices in Europe.

This comes as Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan recently obtained figures showing that 301,379 households are now in energy arrears which is the highest number ever recorded. Of these, 176,449 households have been in arrears for over 90 days, another record high.

“In addition, the total value of the arrears was at €466.46, up 49.8 percent since January 2022,” Deputy Kenny said. “All of this leaves the total arrears for households across Ireland at €140.50 million. Along with this huge financial burden, there are more families than ever before that are having their electricity cut off,” he warned.

Many households in Leitrim have been struggling with energy bills, particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, with some families referred to charities such as St Vincent de Paul and Barnardo’s for help covering their bills as costs soar.

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Deputy Kenny said the new figures show the true scale of the Government’s failure to tackle energy prices and provide adequate support. 

He also highlighted that in May there were 161 disconnections, bringing the total for this year so far to 733. 

At the same point in 2023, the year-to-date total was 154 disconnections, representing an increase of about 375 percent.

“The crippling costs of electricity is putting families under huge pressure at a time when so many are already struggling,” he continued.

“Despite this, the government is ruling out energy credits or any other cost-of-living supports as part of the upcoming budget.”

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He accused Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael of treating the cost-of-living crisis as “a buzzword with no real impact.”

“For the government to turn their back on ordinary people when so many are struggling is nothing short of scandalous,” said Deputy Kenny.

“They need to come to their senses and give families and businesses the support that they need. The budget must include energy credits as part of a cost-of-living package,” he concluded.