Sinn Féin has said Irish farmers have been "let down again" by the government's failure to address rising fuel and fertiliser costs.

The government today (Tuesday, March 24) confirmed a 3c/L excise reduction for green diesel, as well as a cut to the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) levy.

The measures are in response to the spiralling cost of fuel due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Temporary reductions in the rates of Mineral Oil Tax (MOT) have also been announced for petrol (down 15c/L) and autodiesel (down 20c/L).

The government confirmed it will also reduce the NORA levy by 2c/L to a "nominal amount" for a period of two months.

Farmers

Sinn Féin spokesperson on agriculture and food, Martin Kenny has slammed the government's action on green diesel as "tokenism" and "insulting".

"Irish agriculture has had a very difficult start to 2026 with very challenging weather conditions leaving much of the land unworkable up until about a week ago.

"On top of this, they are continuing to face rising input costs with green diesel up by 50% and fertiliser rising by almost 60%," he said.

"The minister for agriculture stated that he provided government with a detailed analysis of the situation, but it appears that it has fallen on deaf ears as the government proposes only a 5 cent tokenism reduction in the price of green diesel. This is insulting.

"This is an outrage for Irish farmers who have been let down again by this government who appear to have an anti-farming agenda since they came into office," he added.

Deputy Kenny said "today was an opportunity to provide much-needed support for Irish farmers".

"The government could have reduced carbon tax or VAT on green diesel, but they chose not to do this.

"Farmers are facing a very difficult year with these rising input costs. Fertiliser prices are heading towards doubling in price in the coming weeks and now it’s 50% more expensive to spread it also.

"Government needs to provide an adequate support package for Irish farmers to help offset these price hikes in fertiliser and green diesel," he said.