Mayo working people 'being priced into poverty' - councillor

"Many families across County Mayo are working full-time, paying tax, doing everything asked of them, yet they are still struggling to afford the basics.

"This is not unemployment. This is people in jobs who simply cannot keep up with rent, childcare and everyday bills."

That's the view of Independent Councillor Harry Barrett.

The Castlebar-based representative elaborated: "In County Mayo a large number of working households earn modest wages and are renting.

"Average rents are now well over €1,300 a month, while childcare can cost families €700 to €900 a month for one child, even after subsidies.

"For a working couple or a lone parent, these costs alone can swallow most of their income."

According to Councillor Barrett, economist David McWilliams has pointed out that the real income needed to live with basic security in Ireland is now closer to €52,000 a year for a family with one child.

Said Barrett: "That is far above the official poverty line and far above what many working families in Mayo earn. This explains why people who are technically above the poverty threshold still feel constantly under pressure.

"Recent changes to social welfare and the Working Family Payment have helped some households, particularly those with children."

But Councillor Barrett maintains that many workers earn just above the cut-off points and qualify for nothing.

These are the people who, he says, are "paying for everything, getting little support, and quietly slipping backwards."

"The working poor are a significant group in this county. They are real people in our towns and villages.

"If we are serious about fairness, government must recognise this group and respond with realistic income thresholds, free childcare, and housing costs that working people can actually manage.

"Poverty in work cannot be tolerated."