FTA Ireland has welcomed the announcement of a coordinated €220 million Government support package aimed at easing severe fuel cost pressures across road transport, agriculture and contracting services.
The measures include the Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) and a new Fuel Support Scheme for farmers, agricultural and forestry contractors, and the fishing sector.
FTA Ireland has been an active participant in talks with Government departments throughout the recent fuel crisis, ensuring its members’ concerns were clearly articulated and understood. Its members span the full breadth of the supply chain – from HGV operators and own account transport providers to businesses reliant on contractors operating off road machinery powered by marked gas oil (MGO). Escalating fuel prices have affected all of these sectors, with knock on consequences for costs, capacity and competitiveness across the economy.
“The €120 million RTSS provides welcome, focused relief for road haulage and passenger transport operators, recognising their central role in keeping essential goods and services moving nationwide,” explains Niall Cotton, FTA Ireland’s Chief Executive. “The graduated payment structure provided, linked to fleet size, reflects the varied operating profiles within the sector and the particular vulnerability of smaller operators to fuel volatility.”
FTA Ireland has also reacted positively to the €100 million Fuel Support Scheme for farmers and agricultural and forestry contractors. Many FTA Ireland members depend on contractors using Marked Gas Oil (MGO / green diesel) to deliver essential services, and as Cotton continues, this support will help mitigate sharp increases in off road fuel costs that have placed significant strain on rural and contracting businesses“FTA Ireland has been a vocal and consistent advocate for the case for practical, targeted interventions to address the impact of fuel costs on transport operators and the wider supply chain on behalf of its members. Today’s announcement reflects the result of sustained engagement and constructive dialogue, and will deliver meaningful relief at a time when operating costs remain exceptionally high.”
FTA Ireland acknowledges the extensive consultation undertaken by the Departments of Transport and Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and notes the positive impact that these schemes provide to complement existing measures such as excise reductions and diesel rebate supports. As Cotton concludes, “Together, they demonstrate the value of ongoing engagement between policymakers and representative bodies.
“FTA Ireland will continue to support members as application processes open in May and will remain focused on advocating for stability, resilience and competitiveness across Ireland’s transport and logistics sector.”
Full details of the support package launched the government can be found here: Road Transporters Support Scheme and Fuel Support Scheme.
