Diesel rebate for truckers should be doubled - O’Reilly

The government is being urged to almost double the diesel rebate scheme from 7.5 cent per litre for a period of at least six months to help the commercial haulage industry through the current fuel cost crisis.

Independent Shane P O’Reilly tabled the motion before the December monthly meeting of elected members, asking the council to use its office to urge the government to address the situation.

He welcomed the doubling of the diesel rebate scheme to 7.5 cent per litre once the price reached €1.43 per litre, but feared that it might not be enough.

Cllr O’Reilly commended the efforts of a group calling themselves the Irish Truckers and Haulage Association against Fuel Prices, which last month brought a rolling-protest to the capital to express their shared concern over rising fuel prices, the cost of insurance and a shortage of drivers.

The Mullagh man questioned why the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) did not support it. Regardless, he stated it was important that the plight of drivers be made known, with some were facing costs of about €350 per week.

Cllr O’Reilly further stated that the same relief should apply to agri-contracters and criticised prohibitions on cutting the VAT on fuel to zero. The rate in Ireland is charged at 13.5 per cent, and cannot go below 12 per cent.

Aontú’s Sarah O’Reilly said that the rebate in Ireland was one of the lowest in Europe.

She supported the inclusion of the rebate for the agri-sector, as did Fine Gael’s TP O’Reilly who said all such industries were “under serious pressure”.

“A lot of this has to do with things happening outside their control,” said Cllr T.P. O’Reilly.

Logistics firm owner Cllr Peter McVitty (FG), and a member of the IRHA, defended the representative group’s position in relation to the November protest. He said it has not been “organised properly”, adding that when the IRHA had engaged in direct talks with the government in the past, the outcome had been positive.

“I’ve no problem with protests, so long as they’re done properly,” said Cllr McVitty, who was critical too of reports of “blockages” at off-ramps connecting with nearby hospitals.

“Something needs to be done,” added Winston Bennett (FG) chiming in with support, as did John Paul Feeley (FF) who measured any intervention against the prospect of cutting carbon taxes, which he said should not be done because it is not the right thing for the planet.

Cathaoirleach Clifford Kelly also fully supported the motion on behalf of the haulage industry and agri-contractors.