Damien had been getting lots of messages regarding the rising cost of living and decided to head out to Dunmore East yesterday to see what's going on.

He headed into East Pier and met with Elaine who explained what has caused her fish and chips to have increased in price.

She explained how the rapeseed oil she uses has increased by 144.5%, gas increased by 45%, and fish by just over 35 %.

Despite this, Elaine's fish and chips has increased by €1 since before the pandemic.

She increased it to €9.50 after the pandemic to make up for all the free condiments they were giving out, and by another 50c now to account for the increased cost of her supplies.

Elaine said that Brexit also had a huge impact on the fish industry since Britain got to take 20% of the water that Ireland fishes in.

She started her business in a food truck in Dunmore East and it has continued to grow since then.

The customers

After speaking with Elaine, Damien headed outside to speak with some customers.

Two women were sitting outside "eating the view" as Elaine would say.

They were enjoying a fish platter with oysters, prawns, crab claws, and roe. It cost them €50, which they found to be a fair price.

He spoke to two more guests who said that they like the fact that the fish is locally sourced and fresh.

The fish being fresh is something that a lot of customers seemed to value.

To listen to what else Damien found out, click the link in this podcast.

For more Déise podcasts, click here.