Fuel Crisis: “It should never have reached this point”- MEP Mullooly
Ciaran Mullooly MEP has said that while reports of a targeted Fuel Support Scheme are a step in the right direction, it is far too early to welcome any measures until they are finalised and delivered, warning that the current situation should never have been allowed to escalate to this level.
The Midlands North West MEP said: “Over the past two weeks, we have called for most of these measures in one form or another. This is not rocket science.
"Government has used targeted support schemes before in response to exceptional pressures, including severe weather events in the agriculture sector and during the Covid crisis.
"The precedent is there, the mechanism is tried and tested, and the need is clearly there.
“In particular, I have demanded and continue to support the introduction of a temporary Fuel Support Scheme for farmers, hauliers and contractors who have been hit hardest by the surge in fuel costs.
"That is a sensible and necessary step - but it is one that could and should have been taken much sooner. Some of These measures will require flexibility on state aid measures at EU level to proceed.”
MEP Mullooly raised this very issue with the European Commission in the European Parliament on Thursday and the commission spokespersons confirmed the measure was being examined .
Mullooly said that with talks still ongoing, the priority now must be to reach a meaningful agreement quickly.
“What matters now is delivery - and delivery without delay.”
Ciaran Mullooly also stated that he “recognises the leadership and determination shown by the farm contractors and the transport sector in bringing these issues to the forefront, despite attempts by government to discredit the protesting groups.
"They have highlighted a very real crisis facing working people and key sectors of the economy.”
He said some of the scenes at the Whitegate refinery today were deeply concerning and must act as a turning point.
“These are decent, hard-working, self-employed people - farmers, contractors and drivers - who are under real pressure.
"The use of force, including pepper spray, and the calling in of the army is not what people expect to see in these circumstances. What is needed first and foremost is dialogue, calm and respect on all sides.
"I am deeply disappointed to see what happened on the instructions of the Justice Minister and the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste .”
Mullooly warned that escalation will not resolve the situation and risks deepening divisions.
“This is not about weakening anyone’s resolve - in fact, it is likely to have the opposite effect. What we need now is de-escalation and leadership.
"There is a clear pathway to resolve this, but it requires government to act decisively and engage properly with those affected. It is incredible that the EU appears at times to be more in tune with the current situation in Ireland than our own government. That is a damning indictment on how slow this response has been.”
Mullooly said that while immediate measures are essential, a broader, coordinated response is now required at both EU and national level.
Mullooly is calling for a full emergency EU and national response to the fuel and energy crisis, including the immediate authorisation and frontloading of advance CAP payments, expanded and fast-tracked State aid supports for farmers, hauliers, fisheries, rural SMEs and households, and the creation or repurposing of an EU-level emergency resilience fund similar to the RRF.
He is also pushing for maximum VAT flexibility on energy costs, reductions in fuel taxation, and targeted supports for home-heating oil users, particularly in rural areas.
He concluded by saying the opportunity now exists to resolve the crisis - but only if the government moves quickly.
“The measures being discussed could form the basis of a solution, but only if they are delivered in full, delivered quickly, and trusted by those on the ground. Farmers, contractors and hauliers cannot be left carrying these costs alone any longer.”