Mayo TD joins protest to demand urgent supports for soaring fuel and energy costs
Mayo TD Rose Conway-Walsh has today again called for urgent and immediate government action to address the escalating fuel and energy cost crisis, following her attendance at today’s fuel protest in Castlebar involving hauliers, farmers, contractors, bus operators and workers from across the county.
Speaking after the protest, Deputy Conway-Walsh said: “Fuel prices are still rising and people across Mayo are under enormous pressure, yet all we have gotten from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are half measures and excuses.
“Today’s protest in Castlebar reflects the real and growing anger among workers, families and key sectors of our local economy.
"It is part of a nationwide message to the government that people have had enough and need urgent support to heat their homes, fill their cars and put fuel in their machinery.
“I am here to support the hauliers, bus drivers, contractors, farmers and all those struggling to keep their businesses going and to provide for their families. These people are the backbone of our rural economy in Mayo.
“Our farmers are being expected to absorb increases to fuel costs and the cost of fertiliser, while all the government has given them is a 3c per litre reduction on green diesel.
"They need meaningful tax cuts on green diesel, the planned carbon tax increases to be scrapped, and energy supports for fertiliser to prevent the soaring costs of production leading to price increases for the consumer.
“People shouldn’t have to give up a day’s work to demand the basic supports they need to survive. TDs should be in the Dáil working with others to agree emergency measures to support people.
“Sinn Féin has already written to the Taoiseach to reconvene the Dáil this week to deal with this crisis. We have put forward practical, immediate solutions to get support to people now, especially households reliant on home heating oil, which have been left abandoned by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
“Families are struggling to heat their homes, and businesses are on the brink because of soaring diesel and petrol costs. People are in crisis now, and they need support now.
“I and Sinn Féin will continue to stand with workers, families and communities across Mayo. We will keep applying pressure and fighting for the supports that homes and businesses urgently need. This crisis demands real action, not delay and dithering from Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.”