Dublin demonstrators demand relief as families choose between heat and food
A coalition of unions and parties marched in Dublin, warning that many households are forced to pick between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
On Saturday, a diverse alliance of trade unions and political parties marched from the Garden of Remembrance to Leinster House in Dublin, voicing outrage over the cost-of-living crisis. Participants included Siptu, Fórsa, Unite, AMLÉ, the Irish Wheelchair Association, People Before Profit-Solidarity, Sinn Féin and the Social Democrats. Speakers such as Social Democrats TD Rory Hearne described families having to decide between turning on the heat or buying food, calling the situation "deeply wrong" in a wealthy nation.
Testimonies from Kilkenny resident Brian Delahanty and French expatriate Manuelle Ratte underscored dramatic rent hikes and unaffordable housing. Union leaders like Katie Morgan and Paddy Cole demanded stronger government measures, including targeted energy subsidies, free public transport and a living wage, and warned of imminent public-sector strikes if pay does not keep up with living costs.
Why it matters
The protest highlights growing economic pressure on Irish households and could spur policy changes or strikes.
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