BREAKING: Announcement by Laois shop hit with huge ESB bills

A Laois shop that was hit with rising ESB bills has announced it is closing down.

Ela's Your Stop in Mountmellick's O'Connell Square, is owned by Ela Oczachowska who last February went public with her financial difficulties caused by rising ESB bills.

Ela who employs six staff, had been hit with bills she could not clear as footfall fell in the town last winter. It meant that her most recent bill had reached a total of €10,500.

She had received several disconnection warning letters and had already made a tough decision to let go one worker, and turn off lights and fridges to try and reduce her bills. Read more below. 

“I am crying every day now. I don’t know what to do. They want the last bill paid in full before they will put me on a payment plan. The electricity bill is now twice as high as my rent each month. 

“The banks will not help. If I borrowed to clear the bill I would have to borrow every month.

“If the Government will not help me this shop in the heart of the town will be closed. I will have to leave and close the door behind me. No-one will reopen it in the current climate,” Ela had told the Leinster Express / Laois Live in February. 

She went on to speak on Virgin Media's Tonight show about her plight.

Laois town shop faces closure over €10,500 ESB bill

This Thursday March 23, Ela announced that the shop will close down.

"Today we are closing our doors for the last time. Unfortunately we lost the battle with the system. It was an amazing 18 months and we are hoping we have created good memories.

"We want to thank all customers for support but especially our students from Mountmellick Community School. Ye are all amazing. We will miss you badly," she stated.

Her decision has been met with widespread sympathy, including from fellow trader, pharmacist Peter McElwee.

"I am so sorry to hear this Ela. Mountmellick has had such a struggle to survive commercially and the environment is extremely tough with ever increasing costs and little support. Very best wishes to you for future ventures. Don’t lose faith! From all your friends at McElwee totalhealth Pharmacies," he said.

A sister shop, Kane's YourStop in The Rock also sympathised.

"I’m so sorry that it has come to this for you Ela you made that shop so welcoming for the kids you had a great shop and staff remember Ela. Your strong and you will rise to the top again one day when your ready and hopefully things with the system will have changed by then for all of us small businesses," they said.

Emma Carroll had these kind words.

"So so so sorry to hear this news today. The shop has been an absolute god send. Literally the best group of people worked in that shop. Always met with a smile and a laugh. Best of luck to you all for the future".

Caroline Mulvany is from The Druid Pub.

"Sorry to hear that you are closing your doors after making such positive changes and investing so much into the shop … you had it transformed and looking so well… again sorry it didn’t work out for you … always a welcome smile! Best wishes in your next venture," she said.