Minister Ryan encouraged people to avail of social welfare assistance if required.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan has said that no new financial assistance designed to tackle the cost of living crisis will be introduced prior to this year's Budget.
Speaking on Monday following the announcement of an €80.4 million deal that will see 120 new double-decker electric buses brought into operation in Ireland, Ryan suggested that people in need of help should contact their local social welfare office.
"Energy companies, utilities – if they do have householders in difficulty, they have to engage with it in a way that helps them through this period, not just forgotten about," Minister Ryan told
Virgin Media News.
"So, there's no lack of immediate assistance if families are in difficulty. The social welfare system, the energy companies and others are being set up and directed and given help to help those customers out in the interim period."
Asked about people in need of urgent assistance, Ryan elaborated:
"We have to make sure through our social welfare system that no one is left in those circumstances where they can't afford the basic necessities... they should go to their social welfare office and look for further assistance which is available."
Budget 2023 will be unveiled in October. In the meantime, Ryan looked forward to a future in which battery-powered buses are the norm in Ireland. Monday's announced plan centres on 120 buses acquired from Wrightbus, which are already in operation in Belfast.
100 of the buses will be allocated to the Dublin Bus fleet, with 20 going to Bus Éireann. Overall, the Government hopes to acquire 800 buses in a bid to decarbonise the current output.
"This is the future," said Minister Ryan. "Electrifying everything in transport, cutting out the carbon, using our own local fuels and our own local buses."
The 120 electric buses are expected on Irish roads from next year.
Featured Image via Sam Boal / RollingNews.ie
