Spiralling fuel costs will be "felt on the shelves by consumers" Louth TD warns
Louth TD Erin McGreehan calls for targeted fuel measures for agriculture and fishing sectors
Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has called for the introduction of targeted measures to address the cost of fuel for the agricultural and fishing industries.
The Louth TD has written to the Taoiseach and Tánaiste outlining concerns raised with her by farmers and those working in the fishing sector regarding the soaring cost of fuel, particularly the sharp increase in the price of agricultural diesel.
Speaking on the issue, Deputy McGreehan said: “I fully recognise that the Government cannot shield our domestic economy from every external shock.
"I believe additional measures should be taken to support the sectors that are most exposed to increases in the price of oil.
“The current cost of doing business, whether ploughing fields, harvesting crops, running dairy farms, or operating fishing vessels, has become crippling.
"Fuel is an essential input, and for those already struggling with narrow margins, these increases are simply unsustainable.”
Deputy McGreehan acknowledged and welcomed the supports the Government has introduced, including the reduction in VAT on petrol and diesel and the extension of the fuel allowance to offset recent increases in prices, but said that the agricultural industry is uniquely impacted and therefore requires a unique response.
“Farming and fishing are fundamental to our rural and coastal economies and essential to our national food security, any increases in fuel costs will be felt on the shelves by consumers.
"It is important that supports are introduced to shield them from these increases and provide them with certainty.
“I am asking the Government to urgently review this matter and bring forward measures that recognise the realities facing ordinary families and those working in the agricultural and fishing sectors.
"A timely and effective response will provide much needed relief.
“Measures to support farmers and fishers will give them breathing space, which will ultimately help prevent cost increases being passed on to consumers.”
Deputy McGreehan said that a support package for the agricultural sector is a prudent approach, while leaving flexibility for the Government to intervene if necessary should the situation in the Middle East continue to escalate.
“It is important that we do not have any knee-jerk reaction, the situation in the Middle East is volatile and could potentially be prolonged, so it is important that we retain the fiscal breathing room to adjust if necessary.
“That said, I believe a targeted support package for the agricultural and fishing sectors is necessary in the immediacy, as farmers and fishers are uniquely impacted and therefore require a unique set of supports.”