The opposition party People Before Profit has called for the establishment of state-owned supermarkets to tackle rising food prices in Ireland, proposing the scheme be introduced on an experimental basis.
The call comes as Ireland has become the second most expensive country in the Eurozone and the third most expensive in the entire European Union for food prices. The cost of groceries has risen sharply in recent years, placing increasing pressure on household budgets across the country.
People Before Profit argues that state-run supermarkets could help control price increases by introducing competition into the market and providing consumers with more affordable alternatives to private retailers. The party suggests piloting the initiative to assess its effectiveness before any wider rollout.
The proposal reflects growing public concern over the cost of living crisis, with food inflation hitting families particularly hard. Consumer advocacy groups have repeatedly highlighted Ireland’s high food prices compared to other European countries, with many basic grocery items significantly more expensive than EU averages.
Critics of the current retail market structure point to limited competition among major supermarket chains as a contributing factor to high prices. Proponents of state intervention argue that government-operated stores could operate on lower profit margins, passing savings directly to consumers.
However, the proposal is likely to face opposition from existing retailers and those who question whether state involvement in the grocery sector would be economically viable or effective in the long term.
The debate over food prices continues as households struggle with the broader cost of living crisis affecting Ireland.