James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is an urgent need for innovative proposals to counteract the neglect of smaller counties such as Longford by State agencies, particularly IDA Ireland, especially given the increasing number of people on the live register and the loss of economic stability in the region arising from the closure of several industries and businesses.

Ireland has gone through a raft of changes in the last few years, with many in financial hardship due to the recession that hit following the 2008 banking crisis. The last thing a family needs is rising energy bills, which force them to spend more than they can afford simply to keep the lights on and house warm. We need to reduce our society's exposure to energy bills.

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