The Social Democrats will bring a motion before the Dáil tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15) aimed at tackling Ireland’s soaring energy costs and providing targeted supports to struggling households.
Outlining the party’s proposals, Gary Gannon TD said:
“Since taking office, this Government has caused untold hurt and hardship around the country. Much of the pain being experienced by households and businesses is driven by skyrocketing energy prices, which are exacerbating existing cost-of living pressures. People are increasingly struggling to pay for the basics – food, energy and housing – and the Government is just not listening to them.
“Last week’s fuel protests highlighted the urgent need to reduce the country’s dependency on fossil fuels and have underscored how exposed we are to energy shocks. This must result in increased investment in renewable energy sources and retrofitting – but we also need targeted supports that will make a tangible difference to people’s lives.
“Our motion calls on the Government to provide emergency relief to struggling individuals and families by immediately introducing a €400 energy credit – targeted at families earning up to €70,000 a year.
“It also seeks the adoption of the Social Democrats’ ‘Solar for All’ plan. This includes a doubling of grants for solar installation to €3,600, and the inclusion of solar panels in the Warmer Homes Scheme – a measure that would help families cut their electricity bills by an average of €450 every year.
“We also want to see the introduction of a supplementary mileage scheme for essential workers, like nurses and carers, who depend on their cars to travel for work.
“Our motion also seeks to increase the rebate scheme for the transport sector to cover unsustainable increases in fuel costs. In addition, we need a rebate scheme for green diesel that can be availed of by agricultural contractors and others who use that fuel.
“The inadequate measures introduced by the Government in March provided no support for households that rely on home heating oil and do not receive the Fuel Allowance. Similarly, the fuel supports announced on Sunday in response to the protests will leave hundreds of thousands of people behind.
“Our motion sets out a meaningful and sustainable pathway towards tackling the energy crisis and easing cost-of-living pressures. I urge TDs from all sides of the House to support it.”
April 14, 2026
NOTE: Full text of motion here