One in three Donegal households are going without food or heat

More than one in three households in Donegal have gone without food or heat as a result of the current cost of living crisis, we can reveal.

And some have turned to charities, food banks and family members for support.

In total, around seven out of eight households in the county have experienced the negative effects of the crisis to some degree. Only one in eight said there had been no change to their lifestyle.

The stark reality of the impact of the crisis came to light through a poll which we conducted on our news website DonegalLive.ie.

The journalist who conducted the poll said: “We are all aware in a broader sense of how people are struggling at the moment. 

“The aim of our poll was to get a clear picture of how households in Donegal have been affected by this crisis which is putting many people under relentless financial and emotional stress.

“From turning to charities or family members for help, to going into debt to pay utility bills, there are few households that are not suffering the effects of this crisis.

“It has been going on for so long that people really are at their wits end. They are cutting back on everything but the pressure seems to get worse and worse as the knock-on effects of rising energy prices are felt in every area of society.”

Here in Donegal where we have a well-documented shortage of public transport, many households are feeling the additional pressure of having to keep two cars on the road.

And with the winter months leading to higher consumption of heating and electricity, most people have noticed significant increases in utility bills. Even with the €200 government subsidy, many households are reporting their highest electricity bill ever. 

One notable result of our poll was that only 2% of respondents had sought help from their Community Welfare Officer (CWO). With many people experiencing hardship for the first time, perhaps some are not aware of the role of the CWO and how they can help.

CWOs can help with an emergency payment in situations ranging from bereavement to a kitchen appliance breaking down. CWOs can also assess if you are entitled to a longer term regular payment.

According to Citizens Information: “A payment can be a once off payment or a regular supplement.”

“The CWO will look at all your sources of income and your expenses. They will then decide if you qualify for a payment.

“The CWO may want to meet with you to help them decide if you should get a payment.

“A CWO can refer you to other state agencies and voluntary organisations depending on your needs. For example, you may be referred to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).”

CWOs can be contacted through local Social Welfare offices. 

Poll Results

37% - My household has gone without food and/or heat

34% - I have cut back on extras but am otherwise ok

12% - There has been no change to my lifestyle

5% - I have turned to charities, eg SVP or foodbanks

5% - I have gone into debt to meet basic needs or bills

5% -Extended family members are supporting me

2% - I have sought help from a Community Welfare Officer