Carol Nolan: Calls to Raise Fuel Rebate for Irish Hauliers

Carol Nolan urged the government to increase the fuel rebate for hauliers, calling the current rate of 7.5 cent insufficient and harmful to competitiveness. She demanded a revised fuel rebate scheme to level the playing field and to protect tens of thousands of jobs, particularly in rural Ireland where 80% of hauliers are based.

Demand for higher fuel rebate

The current rate of fuel rebate at just 7.5 cent was described as insufficient and putting Irish hauliers at a distinct competitive disadvantage. Nolan contrasted this with France, where she said the rebate rate is 19 cent.

Call for revised scheme

Nolan asked that a revised fuel rebate scheme be brought forward and that the rate of fuel rebate be increased in order to give a level playing field to hauliers.

Rural jobs at risk

She warned the shortfall in rebate support threatens tens of thousands of jobs, mainly in rural Ireland, noting that 80% of hauliers are based outside urban centres.

Government response

A minister acknowledged that some budget measures on the fuel issue had been taken and said they would relate Nolan's concerns to the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Exchange.