Farm contractors threaten M50 blockade at Laois meeting over green diesel costs

The spike in fuel prices caused by the Iran war is putting enormous financial pressure on farm contractors to the point where some will go out of business, according to Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly.

Speaking following a packed meeting of over 400 contractors and hauliers in Portlaoise at the end of March, Mr Mullooly also said the fuel cost situation also poses a direct threat to food production, supply chains and the wider economy.

“From trucks to tractors, every link in the chain is now under pressure. This is no longer just a haulage issue – it is a farming issue, a food price issue and a national economic issue,” he said.

In a statement issued to the Leinster Express / Laois Live the MEP said speaker after speaker at the meeting on March 28, organised by the Association of Farm Machinery Contractors in Ireland, outlined the enormous financial pressure now bearing down on businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat. He said the clear message from the floor was that without urgent intervention, many operators will simply not survive.

The Independent Ireland MEP said frustration among contractors and hauliers is reaching a breaking point, with many calling for potential road blockades, including at Dublin Airport and along the M50.

“People are not talking about protest for the sake of it - they are talking about survival. If action is not taken, this will escalate,” he said.

Mr Mullooly said the meeting decided unanimously to formally establish a committee to ugently engage directly with the Government through meetings with Ministers to present a clear set of demands aimed at protecting jobs, businesses and the future of the sector.

He claimed that there was deep anger and frustration at the meeting at the Government’s response to this crisis. 

Mr Mullooly said one immediate step that can and must be taken is the scrapping of excise duty on green diesel, warning that this is essential if contractors are to remain viable in the weeks ahead. He rejected any suggestion that EU rules prevent such action.

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“France acted within hours and broke no EU rules. They have already moved to suspend excise duties on green diesel and introduce targeted fuel supports for operators. Ireland can do the same next week,” he said. “The EU is not the barrier here - political will is,” he said.

Mr Mullooly also highlighted a fundamental inequality in how different groups are treated despite facing the same costs.

“Everyone is paying the same price at the pump, but self-employed contractors are being treated differently. You have people doing the same work, using the same fuel, but not receiving the same supports. That cannot continue,” he said.

He warned that the consequences of inaction will extend far beyond the sectors represented in the room.

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“From trucks to tractors, every link in the chain is now under pressure. If this is not addressed immediately, it will feed directly into farming costs, food prices and the wider economy.”

Mr Mullooly said the situation now requires urgent Government intervention and a clear demonstration that those keeping the economy moving will be supported.