SFA hits out at ESB price rise

The Director of the Small Firms Association, Pat Delaney, has said the latest round of electricity increases will further undermine the ability of Irish manufacturing and production industries to remain in Ireland.

"In the three years to September 2004, electricity prices for industry have increased by 41%. A typical Irish business now pays 40% more than its UK counterpart for electricity. Irish energy costs are now 25% higher than the EU average," said Mr Delaney.