There’s been a mixed reaction across sectors of the economy and society in Clare to Budget 2023.
Business owners here are cautiously welcoming the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme, while parents remain concerned about inflation.
A Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme has been announced to help those who are facing skyrocketing electricity bills, totaling around one billion euro in all.
The scheme will pay for 40 percent of the increase in gas and electricity that businesses are facing and will be capped at €10,000 per month per business.
It’ll work by comparing average unit prices this year to costs incurred last year, with some businesses in this county already reporting a quadrupling in their bills.
Siobhán Ní Ghairbith, who’s a member of ISME’s National Council and owner of St. Tola’s Goat and Cheese Farm in Ennistymon, is giving the scheme a cautious welcome, though hopes the rate will be reviewed going forward.
Families were also given a boost yesterday, with the Government pledging a double child benefit payment in November.
Free school books from next September and a 25 percent reduction in childcare costs for families on the national scheme have also been promised.
Social welfare payments are to increase by 12 euro across the board, as well as double payments being distributed in October and December.
While many of those payments will be made this side of Christmas the rate increases won’t happen until January.
Simone McGreene, who’s a single mother in Kilkee, says while some help is welcome, it won’t ease the debt pressures of people on low incomes.
Listen back to the full interview here:
