Ireland’s hauliers need a firm commitment that the enhanced 12 cent per litrewill continue beyond the end of 2026.

The Government’s decision to retain the enhanced rebate until 31 December 2026 has provided some welcome relief to operators battling high diesel and operating costs. But another short-term extension does little to provide the certainty required by haulage businesses planning contracts, investment and fleet replacement.

Attention will now turn to Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien, who addresses the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) Annual Conference in Killarney this weekend.

The conference gives the Minister an ideal opportunity to provide clarity on the future of the DRS and signal that the Government understands the continuing cost pressures facing licensed haulage operators.

Fuel remains one of the biggest operating costs for Irish hauliers, while increases in transport costs inevitably feed through the wider supply chain.

The enhanced rebate is therefore about more than supporting individual transport companies – it also helps protect the competitiveness of Irish business.

The Government deserves credit for maintaining the 12 cent rebate until the end of this year.

Now the industry needs to know what happens next.

Minister O’Brien should use Killarney to give hauliers the certainty they need and commit to maintaining the 12 cent Diesel Rebate Scheme into 2027.