Fuel Poverty Concerns Remain in Ireland Despite €10 Pension Boost and Frozen Carbon Tax

Active Retirement Ireland says older people in the Midlands still face fuel poverty even after the budget raised core State Pension rates by €10 a week and the Living Alone Allowance by €3. That works out to roughly €816 more per year, but the group argues it may not be enough to cover rising heating costs, especially for pensioners in poorly insulated homes. The carbon tax on kerosene and natural gas is staying at €48.50 for the rest of the government's term. That freeze keeps prices predictable in the short term, but it also removes some pressure to move away from fossil fuel heating. The article highlights a familiar gap: income support and energy policy are not the same thing, and fuel poverty will keep showing up unless homes become cheaper to heat.