'Cost of living crisis' meeting to take place in Portlaoise

Offaly County Council has been strongly criticised for raising rents during a cost-of-living crisis.

placeholder image — Offaly County Council has been strongly criticised for raising rents during a cost-of-living crisis.

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack will host the event alongside Pearse Doherty TD

A public meeting over the ‘cost of living crisis’ is planned to take place in Portlaoise next week.

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack and Pearse Doherty TD will host the meeting in the Killeshin Hotel, Portlaoise, on Tuesday, May 12 at 8pm.

Sen McCormack said families across Laois and Ireland continue to struggle under the pressure of soaring energy bills, rising rents, childcare costs, food prices and fuel costs.

“People across Laois are at breaking point. Every week at my clinics I meet families, workers, carers, pensioners and young people who are doing everything right but still cannot keep up with the cost of living,” said Senator McCormack.

She accused the government of offering half measures while ordinary people are being squeezed from every angle.

“We also know the pressure being placed on farmers, agricultural contractors and rural communities with rising fuel, fertiliser and operating costs making it harder and harder to stay afloat,” she said.

Sen McCormack said “we wanted to hold this public meeting to give people a chance to come together, speak honestly about the pressures they are facing and make sure their voices are heard.”

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty, will speak about the growing financial pressures facing households and the need for urgent Government action at the event in Portlaoise.

Sen McCormack said “this is not just about statistics or figures on a page — this is about real people worrying about paying bills, heating their homes, filling the car, paying rent or putting food on the table. Communities are frustrated and they feel ignored. We need real solutions and real leadership.”

She encouraged anyone feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis to come along, share their experiences and join the conversation.

The meeting is open to the public and organisers are encouraging people to share details of the event with friends, neighbours and local community groups.