Ireland Faces a Widening Poverty Gap: A Deep Dive into Rising Needs
New figures from the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul (SVP) paint a stark picture of increasing hardship across Ireland. A 6% rise in requests for assistance in 2025 compared to the previous year, with a particularly alarming 12% surge in December, signals a deepening cost-of-living crisis. These aren’t just numbers; they represent families struggling to afford basic necessities like food and heat.
The Food and Fuel Poverty Connection
The demand for food assistance is particularly acute. SVP provided support for 112,772 food requests in 2025, an increase of over 8,500. For four months, requests exceeded 10,000 per month. This coincides with a dramatic increase in energy poverty. The charity saw a record number of requests for energy assistance, with November being its busiest month ever. This isn’t simply about high bills; it’s about a difficult choice between heating homes and putting food on the table.
Louise Bayliss, SVP Head of Social Policy, highlights that many households are only now receiving their first substantial winter energy bills. She warns that the full impact of rising costs, exacerbated by the removal of energy credits, is yet to be felt. Over 300,000 households are already in arrears on electricity bills, and over 180,000 on gas.
The Hidden Crisis of Pay-As-You-Go Meters
A particularly worrying trend is the situation facing the 360,000 households using pay-as-you-go (PAYG) energy meters. SVP reports a lack of data on this vulnerable group, but anecdotal evidence suggests many are involuntarily disconnecting due to lack of funds. These meters, often presented as a solution for those in arrears, can trap people in a cycle of disconnection and fear of accumulating debt. The stigma associated with debt makes it difficult for individuals to switch back to traditional billing methods.
This situation is compounded by the fact that PAYG users are often on lower incomes and pay a premium for their energy. The lack of visibility into their energy usage and the potential for sudden disconnection create significant financial and emotional stress.
Poverty on the Rise: A National Trend
The SVP’s findings align with broader national trends. The latest Survey on Income and Living Conditions reveals a rise in consistent poverty from 3.6% in 2024 to 5% in 2025. Child poverty has seen an even more dramatic increase, jumping from 4.8% to 8.5% – representing an additional 45,000 children living in deprivation. These figures are not abstract; they represent children going to school hungry, living in cold homes, and missing out on essential opportunities.
This increase in poverty is occurring despite Ireland’s economic growth, highlighting a growing disparity between economic success and social well-being. The withdrawal of temporary cost-of-living supports has further exacerbated the situation, leaving many households struggling to cope with simultaneously rising costs for energy, food, and housing.
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Trends
Several factors suggest these trends are likely to continue, or even worsen, in the near future:
- Continued Inflation: While inflation has cooled somewhat, it remains elevated in key areas like food and housing. Further economic shocks could easily reignite inflationary pressures.
- Housing Crisis: Ireland’s ongoing housing crisis continues to drive up rents and house prices, putting immense strain on household budgets.
- Climate Change Impacts: More frequent and severe weather events, driven by climate change, could lead to increased energy demand and higher energy prices.
- Limited Social Safety Net: The current social welfare system may not be adequate to protect vulnerable households from the combined impact of these challenges.
We can anticipate a growing demand for services like those provided by SVP, as more and more people find themselves unable to cope with the rising cost of living. The situation is particularly concerning for those on fixed incomes, such as pensioners and people with disabilities.
SVP’s Call for a Holistic Approach
SVP is urging the government to adopt a “holistic approach” to tackling poverty, recognizing the interconnectedness of rising costs. They emphasize the need for measures that deliver “real, lasting protection” for the most vulnerable. This includes not only financial support but also investment in affordable housing, energy efficiency programs, and accessible healthcare.
Teresa Ryan, SVP President, notes that even those who previously donated to the charity are now seeking assistance, demonstrating the widespread impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
FAQ
Q: What is consistent poverty?
A: Consistent poverty refers to individuals experiencing deprivation across multiple areas of life, such as inability to afford adequate heating, food, or clothing.
Q: Where can I find help if I’m struggling with my bills?
A: Contact your energy supplier, MABS (https://www.mabs.ie/), SVP (https://www.svp.ie/), or your local community welfare office.
Q: What is a pay-as-you-go meter?
A: A pay-as-you-go meter requires users to pre-pay for their energy, similar to a mobile phone top-up.
Want to learn more about the cost of living crisis in Ireland? Explore our articles on housing affordability and energy efficiency tips.
Share your story: Have you been affected by the rising cost of living? Leave a comment below and let us know your experiences.
