Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the details of the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) for hauliers, ‘own account’ road haulage operators and bus and coach operators, and the new Fuel Support Scheme for farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers.

Under the scheme, the following measures are included:

• This includes the full removal of all non-carbon excise on green diesel of 7.4c/l, and a further payment equivalent to approximately 20c/l.
• These supports, which equate to total support of 27.5c/l, exceed the entirety of excise (carbon and non-carbon) charged on green diesel prior to the conflict in the Middle East (21.95c excl. VAT)
• Farmers and agricultural contractors will benefit from a support rate equivalent to approximately 20 cents per litre of marked gas oil based on verified fuel usage in 2025. Approximately 120,000 farmers and 1,500 full-time agricultural contractors will be eligible to apply for support.
• A separate fuel support scheme for fishers and aquaculture tailored to the specific needs of that sector will be operated separately by Bord Iascaigh Mara (BIM) on behalf of the Department.  It will also be calculated on the basis of fuel consumption with specific eligibility criteria for the different categories of fishers. It is also anticipated that the scheme will open in May.

Speaking on the measures, Deputy McGreehan said:

“The situation in the Middle East has placed significant pressure on businesses and sectors across Europe and Ireland in recent weeks. Farming, fishing  and  haulage sectors are cornerstones of our economy. They have been uniquely impacted and require a unique response.

“The Government has been engaging with representative bodies over the past number of weeks. The measures announced today will help shield these sectors from the worst of the pressures, providing the farming and fishing communities with much-needed breathing space.

“Given the vital role these sectors play in our economy, supporting them will have wider benefits. Reducing the cost burden for farmers will help protect consumers by limiting the risk of increased prices being passed on at the shelf.”

For further information, reach out to Erin McGreehan.

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