Fuel allowance move welcomed

FIANNA FÁÍL Councillor Michael Sheehan welcomed the Government’s decision to double the Winter Fuel Allowance payment last week because of the adverse weather, one day after appealing for the generous move.

Cllr Sheehan said: ‘Thousands of people get the fuel allowance every week in this county and what I want is the payment to be doubled this week because of the weather and need for additional fuel over the next few days. It’s a win win for the people as they get additional fuel now and the Department can recoup the cost at the end of the year or end the scheme a week earlier in April if needs be.’

He said the Government needs to respond faster and better to the needs of the vulnerable.

‘It’s too blasé to say people pay up front and recoup it later in. People need to keep in regular contact with elderly and vulnerable people in our communities and ensure they have everything that they need over the week.

If groups need, we have additional food from Foodcloud to meet the needs of hundreds of people if they’re short on food and money.’