A third of parents in Ireland fell into arrears on their energy bills in the year to April 2025 due to inadequate income, according to the latest Cost of Living report by children’s charity Barnardos. The findings paint a stark picture of persistent financial hardship among families, despite falling energy prices and ongoing government supports.
The annual report, based on a nationally representative survey of 1,000 parents conducted by Amárach Research, also revealed that 40% of parents borrowed money at least once to provide their children with essentials.
Although fewer parents reported cutting back on heating and electricity — down 10% and 3% respectively from 2024 — Barnardos attributed the decline largely to lower energy prices rather than improved financial conditions. Nearly half of families surveyed still reported going without or reducing spending on basic necessities.
Food insecurity remains a major concern. One in five parents said they had gone without or cut back on food over the previous six months, and 40% admitted to skipping meals or reducing portions so their children could eat. A further 12% had to rely on food banks.
The charity warned that the ongoing cost of living crisis is taking a heavy toll on children. Around 78% of parents said it had negatively affected their children, with 19% describing the impact as “significant” — up from 18% last year and 12% in 2022. This equates to an estimated 200,000 children across Ireland.
Young and lone parents were found to be disproportionately affected. Nearly one-third of lone parents said the crisis had a significant impact on their children, compared to 16% of two-parent households. Half of lone parents reported cutting back on clothing, and one in four reduced spending on heating.
Social exclusion is also increasing. Almost one in five parents had to cancel or cut back on school trips or activities, and more families are now reporting that their children miss out on sports or parties because they can’t afford associated costs.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Barnardos CEO Suzanne Connolly described the findings as “very stark”. She said many families face constant financial distress, with some unable to afford basic items such as shoes for their children. “At an absolute minimum, every child in Ireland should have access to heating, nutritious food, proper clothing, and the chance to participate in activities,” she said.
Ms Connolly urged the Government to take concrete steps in Budget 2025, including increasing child support payments and expanding fuel allowance eligibility. “Parents shouldn’t be skipping meals so their children can eat,” she said. “This crisis is affecting not just physical needs, but also the mental health and wellbeing of children.”
The report also highlighted concerning national trends: the rate of children at risk of poverty rose from 14.3% to 15.3%, and those living in consistent poverty nearly doubled from 4.8% to 8.5%. Barnardos said these figures show that once-off cost-of-living measures have failed to deliver lasting relief for struggling families.
