Another govt TD calls for ‘urgent’ action on farmer fuel costs
There are further calls from government TDs for “urgent, targeted action” to be taken on fuel costs affecting farmers. Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary North Ryan O’Meara called on the government to take “immediate action” on the increase in green diesel costs since the conflict in the Middle East broke out. O’Meara said he has […] The post Another govt TD calls for ‘urgent’ action on farmer fuel costs appeared first on Agriland.ie .
Another government TD has called for urgent action to address the rising fuel costs affecting farmers. Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary North, Ryan O'Meara, has urged the government to take immediate steps to tackle the increase in green diesel prices since the conflict in the Middle East escalated. O'Meara has reached out to key government figures, including Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon, and Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, to highlight the urgent need for intervention.
The TD expressed concern over the "unsustainable price hikes" in green diesel since the outbreak of the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran. He emphasized that the current prices farmers and agricultural contractors are facing are untenable, particularly as they prepare for the upcoming silage season. O'Meara warned that tillage farmers are already struggling with high fuel costs, and contractors will likely have to significantly increase their prices charged to farmers.
O'Meara's concerns are backed by daily contact with farm families who are grappling with the impact of these price increases. He described the situation as "blatantly unsustainable" and urged senior government members to take "urgent, targeted action." The TD argued that this is crucial for the financial viability of farming operations this year, as farmers are already facing rising input costs and falling prices for key products like beef and milk.
O'Meara stressed that immediate action is needed to have any chance of mitigating a potential ripple effect on consumer prices. While he acknowledged the government's previous measures, such as reducing the mineral oil tax on green diesel and cutting the National Oil Reserve Agency's levy, he believes more needs to be done to alleviate the pressure on farmers and contractors.
The call from O'Meara comes as farmers and agricultural contractors across the country continue to feel the strain of soaring fuel costs. With the agricultural sector already facing challenges due to global market fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, the government's response to these urgent appeals will be closely watched. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen whether the government will prioritize targeted measures to support farmers and stabilize fuel costs in the sector.
