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Dublin Live
Dublin Live
National
Dan Grennan

Pensioner forced to give up going to pub due to cost of living crisis

A hard-hit pensioner has been forced to give up going to the pub and other luxuries due to the cost of living crisis.

Chairman of the ESB Retired Staff Association Tony Collins told Dublin Live he is being hit on all sides by price hikes on energy bills, heating oil, medical insurance and fuel for the car.

The barrage of price increases as well as spiking inflation all his Tony's pocket while his ESB pension has increased less than one per cent over the last 13 years.

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He said: “As an ESB pensioner, in the last 13 years we've only had a less than 1% increase from our 2009 pension basically. That's in 13 years - less than 1% is our benefit - and inflation is spiking and, they reckon, is going to hit 10% a year.

"Personally, I know I bought this time last year - 500 litres and it cost €280. That same oil is now €725 - that's a 150% increase. That's where it hits your pocket."

He added: "Medical insurance, in that last 13 year period...it has gone up over 70% with a less than 1% increase [in our income]. That is apart from energy costs, the cost of diesel or petrol, the price of electricity or gas.

"Everybody is feeling it in their pockets."

The hits to Tony's wallet forced him to give up going to the pub during his golden years.

He said: "Well, I don't go [to the pub any more]. I have gotten out of the habit.

"You have to cut your cloth which means there are certain things you go without."

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