Paul Lawless TD asked the Minister for Climate: Energy Prices

Paul Lawless TD of Castlebar, Co Mayo, raised concerns about rising electricity costs during a question session in the Dáil on 17 June 2026. He asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether steps were being taken to curb the continuing increase in household energy bills despite recent discounts.

Lawless cited a loyal Electric Ireland customer who received a €100 credit in 2023, followed by a 28 % discount in 2024, an 18 % discount in 2025 and a 10 % discount in 2026. He pointed out that even with these reductions the overall cost of electricity has continued to rise for the average household. The TD asked the Minister what measures were being considered or implemented to address this trend and how the government intended to protect consumers from further price increases.

The question reflects a broader concern among residents of Castlebar about the affordability of energy, especially in light of recent inflationary pressures on household budgets. Lawless’s remarks came at a time when the national debate over energy policy has intensified following the 2023‑24 energy crisis and the subsequent government response to stabilise prices.

The Minister was asked to outline any forthcoming policy changes or regulatory actions that would help mitigate the impact of rising electricity costs on families across Ireland, including those in rural counties such as Mayo. Lawless also requested clarification on how the discounts offered by Electric Ireland were calculated and whether similar measures could be extended to other suppliers.

The TD’s question was recorded in the official Oireachtas debates and is part of a series of inquiries from representatives seeking greater transparency about energy pricing and consumer protection. The issue has attracted attention from local media, with coverage signals indicating that residents are keen to see tangible relief from escalating electricity bills.

For full details see the Oireachtas record.

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