'Timely' intervention 'will help ease household budgets' in Kilkenny

Carlow-Kilkenny TD, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, has warmly welcomed the government’s decision to extend the reduced 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity for a further six months.

The move, announced by Minister Darragh O’Brien, will provide relief to households facing continued high energy costs, with estimated savings of €26.60 on electricity and €20.28 on gas for consumers over the six-month period.  

"This extension is a vital support for families and businesses in Carlow and Kilkenny who are still feeling the pressure of energy costs," Deputy O'Connor said.

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"Every euro saved makes a difference, and maintaining the 9% VAT rate will help ease household budgets."  

Murnane O'Connor also welcomed the establishment of a cross-Government Energy Affordability Taskforce, which will explore further measures to enhance energy affordability in both the short and long term.

"This Government is committed to tackling energy costs, and I look forward to seeing the Taskforce’s recommendations ahead of Budget 2026," she added.

The reduced VAT rate, first introduced in May 2022 as part of cost-of-living supports, was due to revert to 13.5% on May 1 2025.

Murnane O’Connor praised the decision to extend it, calling it "a practical and timely intervention."  

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