Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has condemned the government for a lack of action following the release of the newest Household Energy Price Index (HEPI). The report, which was commissioned by energy regulators in Hungary and Austria, confirms that Dublin ranks as the most expensive capital city across the European Union for household electricity.

Responding to the monthly HEPI findings, the Dublin MEP criticised Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, accusing them of protecting data centres at the expense of ordinary families who are facing severe financial strain from rising utility costs. Lynn Boylan stated: "Dublin is officially the most expensive city in the EU for household electricity.

"This is an appalling situation as Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael continue to sit on their hands while more than 300,000 households struggle to pay bills.

"In a brazen display of how out of touch he is, Minister Peter Burke went on RTÉ's Morning Ireland to defend data centres – the very companies who are driving up bills for ordinary people.

"What world is he in? Did he not read the report from Friends of the Earth last week which showed households are paying higher costs because of data centres?

"This government continues to roll out the red carpet with policy announcement after policy announcement for data centres, while struggling households are told to wait."