'Significant package of supports' in pipeline for hardest hit sectors - Mayo Minister
Minister of State and Mayo Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon has welcomed intensive government engagement with key agricultural and transport sectors, as work continues to finalise a substantial support package in response to the ongoing fuel crisis.
Following a high-level meeting led by Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Darragh O’Brien, Minister for Transport, representatives from farming, haulage, and food production sectors outlined the serious pressures arising from rising fuel and fertiliser costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
Minister Dillon said the discussions reflect both the urgency of the situation and the need for a coordinated and fair response.
“There is no doubt that people are under real pressure right now. Farmers, hauliers, and contractors are seeing their costs rise sharply, and that is having a knock-on effect right across rural communities and the wider economy.
‘I want to acknowledge the genuine concerns of those who are protesting. People are worried about their livelihoods, and it’s important that their voices are heard with respect and understanding.”
Minister Dillon emphasised that government is listening carefully and working to deliver meaningful supports that respond directly to the challenges being faced on the ground.
“The government is very close to finalising a significant and substantial package of supports. This will build on the €250 million already committed and is aimed at easing the immediate financial strain while protecting jobs and businesses.’
‘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.”
Minister Dillon also highlighted the importance of maintaining supply chains and supporting households and small business during this period of uncertainty.
“Rural Ireland depends on these sectors. If farmers and transport operators are struggling, the entire economy feels it. That’s why we are focused on delivering targeted supports quickly.’
‘We are committed to standing with people through this. That means not just financial supports, but ongoing communication and a willingness to adapt as the situation evolves.”
Organisations represented at the meeting included ICMSA, INHFA, IFA, Macra, Ibec, ICOS, IGG, FCI, IGFA, IRHA, the Freight Transport Association, the Coach Tourism and Transport Council, and PAC Ireland.
The Government has confirmed that further discussions with representative groups will continue, with Ministers working intensively to finalise details of the support package and bring proposals forward as soon as possible.