Ireland launches €5 weekly boost to fuel allowance amid rising heating costs
The €5 weekly increase to Ireland's fuel allowance began on Monday, covering over 465,000 households for 28 weeks.
On Monday the government began disbursing the fuel allowance to more than 465,000 Irish households for a 28-week period, offering a weekly €38 payment or two €532 instalments. The weekly amount was raised by €5 in January and the scheme was widened to add 50,000 families on the Working Family Payment. Critics say the flat rate does not reflect the varied heating needs of homes, with oil-heated houses facing costs that far exceed the allowance.
Recent spikes in oil, gas and electricity prices, compounded by geopolitical tensions, have heightened concerns among older people and low-income families. Age Action and Barnardos have called for a further €5 increase and an extension of the scheme to 32 weeks, arguing that many vulnerable households risk reducing heating or self-disconnecting during winter.
Why it matters
The modest increase may not keep vulnerable Irish households warm as energy prices surge this winter.
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