Dublin – Tens of thousands of Dubliners converged on the city center to voice their concerns about the soaring cost of living. Organized by the Cost of Living Coalition, this pre-budget rally aimed to push for tangible solutions to alleviate the financial strain on ordinary citizens.
The Coalition is calling for increased investments in affordable housing and a boost in social welfare allocations. Among the demonstrators were college students, including representatives from the UCD Student Union.
Critics argue that it is unacceptable for people to struggle with poverty while the government boasts a surplus of €10 billion. Rally spokespersons emphasize the need to address issues like fuel and energy poverty, rapid population growth, and the alarming dependence of parents on food banks to feed their children.
“We need an immediate increase in social welfare payments and wage hikes that keep pace with inflation,” asserts a spokesperson.
The rally kicked off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 7, at Parnell Square in Dublin, and is promising to be a resounding call for change as the country approaches its crucial Budget day on October 10.