Isme: Ireland faces 'emergency' over energy prices

Neil McDonnell says the price surge will be too much pressure for some firms in retail, hospitality, and manufacturing

Isme chief Neil McDonnell cited a butcher whose monthly energy bill is rising from €2,000 to €4,500 even before Monday's wholesale price hikes filter through. File picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Ireland faces an emergency by the autumn as energy prices head higher, the head of business group Isme has warned.

Chief executive Neil McDonnell said Monday’s price hikes on wholesale gas markets was further evidence that small firms such as those in retail, hospitality, and manufacturing, were facing increasingly tough times as they face into the uncertainty of another economic storm.