'People in Laois are exhausted by the relentless pressure of rising bills', says Laois Senator

A Laois Senator says families in the county are being “ground down” by rising costs with many forced to choose between childcare, heating and groceries.  

Sinn Féin Senator Maria McCormack called on the government not to water down or delay the promised cost-of-living package, warning that families in Laois are being ground down by rising costs and government inaction.

“People in Laois are exhausted by the relentless pressure of rising bills and everyday essentials,” Senator McCormack said. 

“We’ve reached a point where one in two people in Ireland don’t have enough savings to get through three months if something goes wrong. In Laois, I’ve spoken with lone parents who can’t afford a proper roast dinner for their children and families who are constantly choosing between heating, childcare, or groceries,” said Sen McCormack

“Prices are out of control – and it’s not just global inflation. It’s price-gouging by landlords, banks, and insurers, and it’s government failure. Motor insurance is up 9% in just a year, rents outside Dublin are rising by double digits, and we have the highest electricity prices in Europe. This isn’t just a crisis. It’s a scandal,” said Sen McCormack. 

She criticised the government for ignoring the impact on rural communities like Laois. 

“People here are being squeezed from every angle – fuel, childcare, energy, insurance, food. Meanwhile, banks boast €5 billion in profits while families can’t keep the lights on. The government cannot use EU tariffs or international pressures as an excuse to break election promises. We need urgent relief and structural reform,” said Sen McCormack. 

She reiterated Sinn Féin’s proposals, including: A ban on rent increases; €10-a-day childcare; passing Sinn Féin’s legislation to hold insurance companies accountable; reforming electricity pricing to stop gas from setting the price of all electricity; scrapping the planned carbon tax hike for 2025; and delivering a meaningful cost-of-living package now – including electricity credits of at least €450 per household.

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“With a projected budget surplus of €8.7 billion this year, there is no excuse for delay. People in Laois need support now – not empty words. This government must stop protecting profits and start protecting people,” said Sen McCormack.