Complaint lodged with Mayo government TDs expressing 'outrage' at fuel relief measures
A formal complaint, which states that it has been signed by 500 residents and small business owners, has been lodged with Minister of State Alan Dillon and Deputy Keira Keogh 'to collectively express outrage at a government that has become so far removed from reality that it can no longer hear the pleas of its own people'.
An edited version of the letter to Minister Dillon outlined: "We are writing to formally express our profound disappointment in the government’s fuel 'relief' package and the shocking use of State force against the citizens and business owners of this country.
"You must recognize that a 10-cent excise reduction is a mathematical insult to the hauliers, farmers and local traders who keep Mayo moving.
"A 10-cent reduction is a drop in the ocean for ordinary every day working people and businesses currently facing bankruptcy.
"Refusing to fully suspend the carbon tax and excluding home heating oil (kerosene) from direct excise relief is a choice to let rural households and small enterprises suffer.
"For a business in the west, a "deferral" of tax increases is not a lifeline, it is a stay of execution.
"We are horrified by the events of the last week.
"While your mandate is to support and advocate for the interests of small businesses, the State has instead authorised the deployment of the Garda Public Order Unit and the Defence Forces to use pepper spray and batons against peaceful protesters is a disgrace.
"Most of those the State has moved to "clear" are the very small business owners—hauliers and contractors—who have been forced into desperation by your government's refusal to engage in meaningful tax suspension.
"We are requesting that you publicly justify the math of this 10-cent package and the use of State force within the next seven days."
The letter to Mayo Fine Gael TD Keira Keogh stated: "While the government has pointed to its latest financial package as a solution, the consensus among these 500 signatories is that this package fundamentally fails to capture the public’s wishes or the urgency expressed during recent national protests.
"The response from senior levels of government has been defined by a breathtaking arrogance.
"Instead of addressing the crushing cost of fuel in a meaningful way, we have seen a total disconnection from the reality of rural life."
David Heraty, on behalf of the 500 signatories, said: "We have made it clear to both (constituency) offices that a private reply is not sufficient.
"We expect our representatives to justify these policies publicly to their constituents via their local newspapers within seven days."