A Cavan councillor is to host a public meeting on the crippling cost of living crisis.
The meeting coincides with Shane P O'Reilly's formal joining of the Rural Independent Group this week.
Speaking to Northern Sound, the independent councillor said the public meeting will be held in St. Killians' Heritage Centre, Mullagh on the 28th of November at 8 o clock.
The theme of this meeting will be hospital waiting lists and the crippling impact of cost-of-living pressures on rural communities across Cavan/Monaghan and North Meath.
According to Cllr O'Reilly, the ongoing cost-of-living crisis is having a much bigger impact on all rural dwellers.
He added that, evidence determines that rural families are feeling the pain more, at accelerated rates, than urban households.
"All in all, rural residents are feeling the brunt of the cost-of-living pressures, following years of under-investment and a lack of state support to create jobs outside Dublin," Cllr O'Reilly said.
“Then, to worsen things, the ECB spikes interest rates, which will hit anyone with a mortgage or a loan.”
“Never before has there been such a need for a government to recognise that people are truly struggling to live. Rural Ireland is being hit from every angle - the cost of living increases, cuts in services, and a brutal slashing of some rural development funding.”
“That is why I am hosting this crucial public meeting. I am delighted that guest speakers may include: the leader of the Rural Independent Group of TDs, Mattie Mc Grath, Michael Healy-Rae TD, Richard O’Donoghue TD, Michael Collins TD and Carol Nolan TD.”
“I am honoured to join forces with the Rural Independent group of TDs, believing this grouping provides the only real, unified and unencumbered independent voice for all rural communities. This group of TDs is passionate and genuine, batting for rural communities alike.
“I invite everyone to this meeting, which will allow members of the public to hear from an array of guest speakers. During the meeting, I will also outline my strong intention to continue fighting for the rights and needs of my constituents, to the best of my capacity in the period ahead. While every part of life in rural Ireland may be harder – I firmly believe it’s worth saving.”
