Clare TD Tony Killeen has welcomed news that local households and businesses are to benefit from a significant cut in their gas bills next month.

The Commission for Energy Regulation has ruled that gas prices are to decrease by 9.8% while electricity prices are to be reduced by 0.2%.

Mr Killeen said the announcement was welcome news for householders and businesses who were struggling to cope with the fallout from the recession.

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"The reduction in gas and electricity prices will have a marked impact on household gas bills throughout Clare. On average, October’s fall will mean an estimated annual saving of almost €180," he said.

"The business community throughout County Clare is under very considerable pressure at the present time, and this saving in energy costs is a small step in the right direction.

"We simply have to make our economy more competitive. Costs, which are directly controlled by the State, must continue to be aggressively driven down to give businesses every chance of surviving this recession."

Mr Killeen said 2009 has been a good year for electricity and gas consumers.

He added: "They can now reduce their electricity bills by up to 25% and their gas bills by 22%. The savings business can expect will protect local jobs."

(PR/KMcA)