Government 'close to finalising' fuel support package — Mayo Minister

Minister of State Alan Dillon has said the Government is on the verge of announcing a significant new support package for farmers, hauliers, and food producers hit by rising fuel and fertiliser costs.

Following a high-level meeting chaired by Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon and Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, at which representatives from the farming, haulage, and food production sectors outlined the financial pressures they face arising from the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The minister said the package would build on the €250 million already committed by Government and would aim to ease immediate financial strain while protecting jobs and businesses.

"The Government is very close to finalising a significant and substantial package of supports," Dillon said.

"What is crucial now is continued engagement.

We need calm, constructive dialogue between Government and stakeholders to make sure the measures we introduce are practical, fair, and effective."

Dillon acknowledged the frustration driving the ongoing fuel protests, saying he wanted to recognise the "genuine concerns" of those taking part.

"People are worried about their livelihoods, and it's important that their voices are heard with respect and understanding," he said.

The minister stressed the wider economic impact of sustained pressure on the transport and agriculture sectors, saying rural Ireland depended on both.

"If farmers and transport operators are struggling, the entire economy feels it. That's why we are focused on delivering targeted supports quickly."

Organisations represented at the meeting included the IFA, ICMSA, INHFA, Macra na Feirme, Ibec, the IRHA, the Freight Transport Association, and the Coach Tourism and Transport Council, among others.

The Government confirmed that further discussions with representative groups will continue as ministers work to finalise the details of the package.