Sky Ireland customers will be met with an unwelcome surprise in April as bills are set to increase for TV and broadband packages.
The TV provider confirmed the update this week and said that a minimum 5.1 per cent increase will be seen, depending on the package each customer holds - which will mean households will end up paying out around €54 extra each year.
It is understood that the bill hike will be capped at either €7 or 7 per cent per month, but that the average person will see an increase of 5.1 per cent or €4.51.
READ MORE: Thousands of Irish people could be eligible for lesser-known €6,000 grant
Explaining why the increase is necessary, the company released a statement saying this will mark the first increase since 2018, and that it is now unavoidable due to the ‘significant’ increase in costs they have been absorbing.
Customers will see the changes on their bills going forward, however, the changes will not come into effect until April 2023.
A spokesperson for Sky Ireland said: "We always strive to keep costs as low as possible, while providing the best choice and services.
"We have seen significant increases in costs and, where possible, we have absorbed those costs to limit the impact to our customers. That is why we didn’t increase our prices last year.
"We know price increases are never welcome, particularly in the current economic landscape, but hope our customers can see that we continue to deliver the most innovative products and best entertainment experience."
Those who are struggling to meet the growing cost of living in Ireland are reminded that the Household Benefits Package is available to help with the cost of your electricity or gas bill and the TV licence.
Most people over 70 are eligible for the payment, but if you aged under 70 and you are living with your spouse, cohabitant or civil partner, you can get the HBP if you are getting a qualifying social welfare payment and:
- You are getting an increase in your qualifying social welfare payment for them (see list of qualifying social welfare payments)
- They are getting their own qualifying social welfare payment
- They are getting a social welfare payment not listed here and they satisfy a means test
READ MORE:
Pub selling cheapest pints of Guinness in Ireland declares 'we have to look after our locals'
'Give back Mary' - Community demand return of huge statue stolen from Wicklow grotto
Irish nurses under attack as they face stab threats, being spat at and verbally abused at work
Weather phenomenon 'risk increasing' as expert issues reminder with jetstream approaching Ireland
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
