Long-term energy security key for households - O'Gorman

Green Party leader Roderic O Gorman emphasized the importance of long-term energy security for households in Ireland. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland program, O Gorman stated that the State possesses the necessary resources to shield people from the increasing cost of living, but it requires a government with the determination to implement such measures. Addressing Budget 2027, he proposed a €2.5bn fossil fuel inflation fund to provide short-term relief for families and lay the groundwork for future energy price spikes.

O Gorman's plan includes a one-time financial injection to bolster Irish households' energy security. The fund would be utilized to fund targeted energy credits across 2027, promoting initiatives such as retrofits, solar panel installations, and the transition to electric vehicles for Irish families. By tackling both immediate and long-term energy concerns, O Gorman argues that this approach safeguards households against the next energy price surge.

Furthermore, O Gorman highlighted Ireland's surplus budget, noting it provides a unique opportunity to implement this measure on a one-off basis. He stressed that using the surplus to fund this initiative would significantly contribute to long-term energy security for Irish families. O Gorman also expressed the Greens' willingness to collaborate with other parties, but emphasized the necessity of Green Party involvement in the next government.