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.
Read more: Social welfare Ireland: Applications for Back to School allowance worth hundreds opening very soon
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."
Read more: I paid €4 for leftovers from a Dublin cafe and here's what I got
Read more: Dublin Fixer-Uppers: 5 of the best property projects to get stuck into
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox.
