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kilkennyobserver.ie
The Kilkenny Observer Friday 11 February 2022
Your Money
Fuel uncertainty: home-owners in the cold BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR
MORE than 55% of Irish people have not heated their homes at some point in the last year due to concerns about the cost, according to a recent Amarach poll on behalf of the Edmund Burke Institute. The main finding of the report makes for disturbing reading. In the last year nearly 1 in 2 (47%) adults did not use one or more electrical appliances at home due to concerns about the cost of electricity. An even higher proportion (56%) did not heat their house in full or part in the last year because they were worried about the cost of heating. That figure rose to 63% among women, and 58% among those in lower socioeconomic groupings. The 35-44 demographic was the most likely of any age to say they had chosen not to heat their home due to cost con-
cerns (58%), with the 55+ demographic being the least likely to say they had chosen not to heat their home due to cost concerns (55%) The poll revealed a widespread feeling that the Government’s policies are going to increase the number of people who cannot afford to heat their homes (87%) with fewer than one in 10 (9%) are of the opinion that the Government has a realistic plan in place to hit its 2030 climate goals. Approximately one in 4 (24%) answered, don’t know/unsure; and with these removed it reveals a staggering 95% of the population see Government underperformance as a major problem. A total of 79% believe the Government is not doing enough to ensure a steady supply of affordable energy. Again, stripping out those who were unsure, that figure rises to roughly 95% of the population. With 85% saying they did not believe the Government is doing enough to protect the most vulnerable from increases in the price of electricity and heating. Again, taking out those who are unsure it rises to 95%.
According to Gary Kavanagh, Director of the Edmund Burke Institute this Government, though focused on implementing policies like grants, to incentivise people to live in a more environmentally sustainable fashion, does not appear to fully understands the impact these policies are having and will continue to have on peoples’ quality of life especially those with lower earning power. This poll looked at the actions people are taking rather With the latest CPI report showing housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels to have risen by 10.8%. It seems to show that policies that increase the cost of energy, or restrict its supply, have wide-ranging impacts on the population in a way that few other policies can. Especially if we take in electricity use by data centres which matches that of all rural homes in Ireland. Central Statistics Office (CSO) records show that data centres proliferated so much from 2015-2020 that their electricity usage rose by 144% accounting for 11%
of the country’s total electricity consumption in 2020. Mr Kavanagh believes the poll shows the Government is failing “to ensure that its policies allow for and support a supply of affordable and sustainable energy”. If this continues living standards will decline, and policies aiming to increase sustainability will lose support amongst the general public. In summary the poll shows that all age groups have been impacted by increases in the cost of heating and electricity leading to an extreme lack of faith in the ability of the government to handle this issue, and the vast majority of people believe the Government is making the problem worse. According to Mr Kavanagh, the Government needs to demonstrate that they understand the issues at hand and that their policy choices are designed to improve people’s lives, not make them worse off. * Full repor,t see - https:// edmundburkeinstitute.ie/ John@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633
Good health can be a complex issue but SOMEGA makes it easy with new B-Complex THE emergence from the cold winter months is the perfect time to focus on a healthier and more vibrant spring. Gone will be the long dark days and in their place will be the opportunity to enjoy brighter mornings and evenings. Now is the time for a restock of our nutritional and health needs to ensure we are at our best to face the days ahead when our bodies naturally expect and require more life and activity. Speaking about our nutritional needs at this time of the year, Dr. Paula Gaynor, nutritionist, food scientist and co-founder of Ireland’s purest health supplement brand SOMEGA says that healthy eating will always be number one. “I’m so often asked about health supplements for different ages and stages of the year but I always begin by asking what their diet might be lacking first. For example, are you eating enough fresh fruit and veg, are you getting the right nutrients from your diet and spending time planning and cooking wholesome meals? If the groundwork isn’t right then that needs to be addressed. Supplements are just that, they are supplementary to a good
lifestyle which also includes getting enough exercise and sleep.” Dr. Paula says “Taking high quality supplements do play a key role in keeping your health on track, in particular the B-Vitamins and Vitamin C. There are eight B-Vitamins,
making up what is referred to as B-Complex. The B-Vitamins are often called the “energy vitamins” as they help convert the food you eat into the energy your body needs. Both the B-Vitamins and Vitamin C cannot be stored in your body, making it important to have
a continuous daily supply for optimal health.” SOMEGA has just launched their new product, Liposomal Vitamin B-Complex + C which is a synergistic blend of Vitamin B-Complex with Vitamin C designed to support energy levels and reduce tiredness
and fatigue. B-Complex + C also contributes to mental health and performance, including supporting memory, concentration and learning and helping combat stress. It also helps support your immune and nervous systems, provides support for healthy skin
and hair, and helps regulate hormonal activity, making it an extremely important supplement to have in your health toolkit Like all products in the SOMEGA range, the new B-Complex + C is an expertly formulated liquid supplement that is as pure and natural as possible with no unnecessary ingredients. In contrast to other Vitamin B-Complex supplements, it is made using cutting-edge liposomal technology to ensure maximum nutrient absorption and optimum health benefits. It has a natural berry flavour and can be enjoyed straight from the spoon or added to cold drinks. Dr. Paula says that Vitamin B-Complex +C is especially important for those who suffer from fatigue, feelings of stress or those in need of a general health boost. It is also beneficial for athletes and fitness enthusiasts who require extra energy, vegans, menopausal and peri-menopausal women and people over 50 whose ability to absorb B- Vitamins is reduced. You can find SOMEGA supplements in all good local health stores, pharmacies and online at gosomega.com
