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ENERGY credits in future budgets should be avoided despite concerns that electricity prices will continue to rise over the next five years, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers has been advised.
In recent budgets, the Government has used “one off” energy credits to help protect households from enormous electricity bills as prices skyrocketed in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
While energy prices have stabilised, Irish households are still paying the highest rates in Europe.
The Department of Public Expenditure believes that electricity prices in Ireland are set to rise over the next five years due to the level of investment required to update our energy infrastructure.
A briefing document provided to the new Minister Jack Chambers warns that €20billion in investment is needed to upgrade Ireland’s electricity infrastructure over the next five years.
This bumper investment is needed “to cater for increased housing, demand from large energy users (primarily data centres) and to facilitate growth in renewable electricity, including offshore wind”, the Minister was advised.
Officials warned Minister Chambers that this need for investment is likely to see household electricity bills rise.
They said: “The investment requirements will place upward pressure on electricity prices that are already the highest in the EU.”
The Department said they are working with State owned energy companies and the energy regulator on policy issues including direct capital funding and how that would impact prices.
The Minister was warned that “defraying some of the impact on household and businesses’ electricity prices would have a significantly larger investment requirement.”
The briefing document later advises the Minister that energy credits used in recent budgets should be removed to reduce the pressure on the State’s finances.
The document said: “Energy credits, which were introduced as a temporary support, have a significant Exchequer expense at a cost of €210m for every €100 credit per household, and they also reduce the incentive to conserve energy use.
“Similar to other temporary supports, their removal is important to reduce pressure on fiscal resources.”
The briefing memo for the new Minister also sets out a number of medium and long term risks and challenges for the Irish economy including demographic trends, climate emission challenges and the volatile international environment.
On demographics, the Department said that by 2050 Ireland will have only two workers for every person at pension age as opposed to four workers for every pensioner at the moment.
The ageing population will put severe pressure on the State’s finances for pensions and healthcare.
It comes after the Taoiseach confirmed that there are no plans to introduce or continue a new cost-of-living package or €250 energy credit in Budget 2026.
The Minister’s comments echo that of Taoiseach Micheal Martin earlier this month, who said there’s no plans to continue energy credits in the next budget.
The Fianna Fail leader also added that a new cost-of-living package would not be included, but he did not specify which measures would be affected.
Speaking to RTE Radio One yesterday, he said: “We’re not going to have a cost-of-living package this year, that’s the Government’s view.
“We will endeavour through the budget, through the various mechanisms we have from social protection to tax, to help people.”
THE last budget, which was announced in October, saw thousands of families across the country benefit from cost-of-living measures.
The package, which was worth €2.6 billion in total, was the largest social welfare package in the history of the State.
It was made up of a mixture of increased payments and once-off lump sums for social welfare recipients.
Other measures in Budget 2025 included an expenditure of €6.9billion and €1.4billion in tax changes.
Energy credits were also agreed as part of a €2.2 billion cost-of-living package included in Budget 2025 to help people through the winter.
THE weather is finally starting to turn with the promise of Spring just around the corner.
And with flowers starting to pop up and more warmth in the air, soon-to-be mums and dads are being inspired by the coming season when it comes to baby names.
There are some beautiful monikers to choose from when it comes to Spring, with florals dominating.
Now play therapy experts Meemzy Magic have compiled a list of seasonal girls names using the latest data from the Office of National Statistics to discover the top ten.
And one beautiful entry on the list is inspired by Scotland.
The Meemzy Magic team said: “From delicate floral names to nature-infused choices, these spring-inspired baby girl names capture the essence of the season—new beginnings, beauty, and vitality.
“Whether you prefer a timeless classic or a fresh, modern pick, these names are sure to bloom with love and meaning.”
Coming in at number one is Lily, with 2,290 baby girls born with the name in 2023 – more than any other spring-inspired baby girl name on the list.
The name Lily is derived from the Latin ‘lilium’, symbolising purity, renewal and beauty. With its timeless grace, Lily is a name that continues to bloom year after year.
Poppy took second place on the list with 1,755 baby girls given the name in 2023.
Derived from the vibrant red flower, Poppy embodies resilience, and peace.
The name originates from the Latin ‘papaver’, and its cheerful and lively energy makes it a perfect choice for a tot full of spirit and joy.
Coming in at number three is Daisy. The charming classic is derived from the Old English ‘dægeseage’, meaning ‘day’s eye’, reflecting the flower’s tendency to open in the morning sun.
It’s associated with innocence and happiness.
Violet is fourth on the list. This elegant name comes from the Latin ‘viola’, referring to the delicate purple flower.
Historically, violets have symbolised love, humility and faithfulness.
Taking fifth place is Rose. A popular name, with one of Stacey Solomon‘s girls called Rose, it has Latin origins from ‘rosa’, meaning ‘flower’ or ‘fame’.
Long associated with love, beauty and romance, it’s a timeless choice.
Iris is the sixth most popular spring-inspired baby girl name which originates from the Greek word for ‘rainbow’ as well as being a striking spring flower.
Meanwhile, number seven is Erin which comes from the Irish word ‘Éirinn’, meaning ‘Ireland‘.
Conjuring images of lush green landscapes and renewal, Erin is a beautiful nod to the fresh and vibrant energy of spring.
In eighth place is Hazel which i derived from the hazel tree, long been associated with new beginnings.
THE top 20 for Spring:
Rosa – which is ninth on the ranking – is a variation of Rose and carries an extra touch of elegance and international appeal.
And finally, coming in at number 10, is the Scottish name Skye. Inspired by the vast and open sky, as well as the breathtaking Isle of Skye, it’s perfect for a little girl with a free spirit.
A NEW rising star in the world of darts has turned heads – by obliterating a record not even Luke Littler could get close to.
Charlie Manby put in a phenomenal performance at last week’s PDC Development Tour.
Manby, 19, produced a three-dart average of 130.70 during a whitewash win over Patrick Williams.
The teenager raced to the 4-0 victory, with his worst leg of the four consisting of just 13 darts.
Manby’s outrageous average smashed the reigning Development Tour record of 120.24.
That record was previously owned by three players – Bradley Brooks, Geert Nentjes and Owen Bates.
Manby told The Express: “I knew I was throwing well but I never expected that when the game was done, to see an average of 130.
“I think even when I finished the game it didn’t all hit me until everything started blowing up.
“It was a great moment when I actually realised about my average and the record.
“It’s a great stat to have, and I’m really proud of myself for doing it.”
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Manby’s average also eclipsed the best thrown by Littler, 18, during his Development Tour days.
The reigning world champion’s best performance was 115.22.
Despite his incredible average, Manby failed to win on the day.
The 19-year-old was beaten by rival Bates 5-2 in the final.
He added: “Maybe the average got to my head a bit straight afterwards.
“But I don’t think it had much to do with me losing the final. Owen played very well.”
Here is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:
World Championship 2025 – £500,000
World Championship 2024 – £200,000
Grand Slam of Darts 2024 – £150,000
European Tour – £91,000
Player Championships events – £71,500
Players Championship final runner-up – £60,000
UK Open 2023 + 2024 – £17,500
World Matchplay – £10,000
World Grand Prix – £7,500
European Championship – £7,500
(Unranked) Premier League Darts – £315,000
TOTAL: £1.43 million
Littler has previously faced Manby, with the pair going head-to-head in the 2023 Isle of Man Classic Youth final.
The reigning world champion came out on top, claiming a 5-1 victory before his dramatic rise.
Manby credits Littler with darts gaining popularity among kids – and says there is an influx of talent coming through the ranks.
He continued: “The reason they’ve started playing and got better is because of Littler doing what he did.
“He’s been great for the game, and now kids want to start you so they can do it early.”
