Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Moynihan TD, says he is appalled at efforts by Bord Gáis to increase its prices by almost 8% in October.

Bord Gáis energy recently announced it has applied to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) for a 7.54% rise in its residential gas tariffs from October.

Deputy Moynihan commented: "It find it quite incredible that Bord Gáis is seeking this increase in its gas prices. This amounts to an average increase of €60 to a household’s annual gas bill.

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"This price increase, which is very likely to be granted, comes on the back of a 22% increase in price for Bord Gáis this time last year. The result is that average gas bills for households will have increased by €300 per year in just 12 months. In the current economic climate this is not acceptable and I find it quite appalling.

"The wholesale price of gas on the international markets has remained largely unchanged yet Bord Gáis insist on increasing its prices year after year. We have already seen a property tax introduced this year with water charges also set to come in.

"What has been done at Government level to address this? The fuel allowance threshold needs to be broadened rather than cut, but the Government seems intent on doing the opposite. Minister Rabbitte needs to take strong action to control the rising price of gas prices in Ireland, otherwise we will see even more families fall below the poverty line."

(CD/GK)