Truckers Forced to Protest in Dublin for Third Time in Months as Government AWOL on Fuel Crisis
Speaking on the trucker protest in Dublin today, Aontú Leader & Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has stated the third protest in months is a damning indictment of the government’s complete lack of leadership on the fuel crisis.
An Teachta Tóibín: “Whilst high paid jobs are arranged for those close to this government, 35 price hikes have been imposed upon Irish consumers since January 2021 by energy suppliers. Over 60% of the price of fuel is taken up by VAT and excise duties. Carbon Taxes are imposed bluntly at frequent intervals without regard to the cost of living crisis. At the forefront of this crisis are our Truckers, without whom our economy would grind to a halt. For the third time in a matter of months, they are forced up to Dublin to protest about the spiralling cost of fuel which is depriving them of their very livelihood. What does it say about the desperation of these working men and women that they are engaging in a week long protest to disrupt the Capital as much as possible till their government listens to them?
“Meanwhile, there is a complete absence of leadership from government buildings. The energy credit – a piecemeal measure – was promised months ago but is only now being applied to customers’ accounts this month. The cut in excise duty made a negligible difference, and was wiped out by price hikes by garages. Brussels has told us we cannot even cut our VAT on fuel by 4% - which are government meekly accepts. The government has the full regulatory and taxation powers at their disposal to tackle this crisis, which if utilised could immediately impact households bills and incomes. The Irish government should make a sovereign decision on our VAT rate to protect families that are being devastated by this crisis in the cost of fuel. The government cannot continue to be missing in action – now is the time to act.”
