Criticism expressed in Waterford over ballooning surpluses as cost of living rises

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, Deputy David Cullinane has said that the time for excuses from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on the cost-of-living crisis is over as new figures show the Government is anticipating a budget surplus of €9.2 billion, almost double what was projected.

Deputy Cullinane said families and workers across Waterford are struggling with rising costs while the Government continues to hold back meaningful supports.

Speaking on the matter, Deputy Cullinane said: "Families right across Waterford are feeling the squeeze every single day. People are struggling to keep up with energy bills, rent, groceries and transport costs, yet this Government is sitting on billions."

“There is a real sense of frustration locally," he said.

"Older people are worried about heating their homes, working families are stretched to the limit, and small businesses are under pressure, but the supports just aren’t there," he added.

Deputy Cullinane went on to comment: "What today’s announcement from the Department of Finance shows is that the money is there. The question is why this Government is refusing to use it to help people who need it most?"

“Sinn Féin has put forward practical, deliverable solutions," he said.

"What is missing is leadership from Government," he added.

Deputy Cullinane said it was "especially concerning" that, at a time when the surplus is growing, decisions are being made that hurt vulnerable people, including cuts to supports for people with disabilities in last year’s budget.

“Even a portion of this surplus could make a real difference for households across Waterford and ease the pressure people are under," he said.

“We need to see excise cuts on home heating oil and fuels, alongside energy credits and targeted cost-of-living supports that actually reach people," he added.

“The reality is that this Government can act, but they are choosing not to. That is not good enough for the people of Waterford.”