Mayo Sinn Féin TD Rose Conway-Walsh has criticised the government for still having no supports in place for rural businesses excluded from the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme (TBESS ).
Speaking in the Dáíl, Deputy Conway-Walsh said: “Delays in introducing energy supports for rural businesses unacceptable and risks doing irreparable damage to our rural economies.
“This issue is a problem of the government’s own making when they excluded rural businesses that rely on oil LPG from energy supports under the TBESS.
“They were excluded because they do not have metered supply of gas and electricity. As people in Mayo are all too aware, mains natural gas is simply not available in many parts of the country. Rural businesses, like many others, have seen unsustainable increases in their energy cost.
“Sinn Féin were assured that while TBESS would not be extended to rural businesses grant support scheme would be brought forward.
“Again rural Ireland and Mayo seems to be an afterthought for this government.
“Uncertainty is killing these businesses. Government must urgently announcement details on energy support grants for these businesses."
