ISME has today called on the Government to consider alleviating the impact of fuel price increases as a result of the war in the Middle East and to develop contingency plans to support already stretched small and medium-sized businesses across Ireland.
Many SMEs are being disproportionately affected by the spike in fuel prices, with businesses across the retail and hospitality sectors facing particularly heavy energy bills. ISME has warned that if the current fuel cost crisis persists, many businesses will have little choice but to pass these rising costs on to their customers or consumers.
Essential service providers, including nursing homes and childcare facilities, are under significant strain as they cannot reduce energy consumption without compromising the care provided to vulnerable people and young children. Therefore, ISME is calling on the government to give serious consideration to measures that will mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs and to ensure a contingency plan is in place to support SMEs if the crisis continues or escalates further
Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME, said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are being hit hardest by rising fuel costs, particularly those in energy-intensive sectors such as retail and hospitality. For many SMEs in Ireland, energy is not a discretionary expense, it is fundamental to keeping their doors open and serving their customers. Without intervention, many small businesses will be forced to absorb unsustainable costs or pass them on to consumers, placing further financial strain on communities and the wider economy.”
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Issued on behalf of ISME by Heneghan
About ISME
ISME (the Irish SME Association) represents and supports small and medium-sized enterprises across Ireland through independent advocacy, practical advice, and accessible training and networking. Our mission is to help SMEs start, scale and succeed.
For Information:
Neil McDonnell / ISME – (087) 299 5658 (available for comment)
Nigel Heneghan – (086) 258 7206 – nigel@heneghan.ie
Rory Sweeney – (086) 897 6442 – rory@heneghan.ie
