Mayo call on minister to address rising fuel prices

TRANSPORT Minister Dara O'Brien is being asked to tackle rising fuel prices, with fears over the impact on jobs and services.

A letter is being issued from Mayo County Council calling on him to reduce prices after concerns were voiced at the monthly meeting of the authority as the energy crisis deepens.

Councillor Chris Maxwell pointed out that 60% of the fuel price goes to the government in tax, and 'with the swipe of a pen' the minister can reduce that.

There are transport companies whose bills have risen by thousands, and bus operators, he said, tied into contracts who are thinking of parking up, which would affect children getting to school.

And for employers, they are also facing increases in wages, the new pension scheme, in addition to energy costs. And, he warned: “Fuel is going to bring them down, it's going to cripple them.”

Hauliers, bus operators and farmers, he suggested, could be supported if they could switch over to green diesel for the duration of the crisis. This would give them a chance, dropping their fuel bills by about 40 cents per litre.

Councillor Johnny O'Malley suggested the carbon tax could be removed or lowered. It would make a significance difference for people, particularly the rural community who rely on their vehicles.

Further carbon tax increases are in the offing in the coming weeks, Councillor Patsy O'Brien pointed out, and they need to be put on ice.

Councillor Harry Barrett said it is an emergency situation and he called on the minister to enact emergency measures.

* Funded under the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme