Macra disappointed by 'limited scope' of fuel actions
Macra has warned that government fuel cost supports will "fall short" of what is needed in rural Ireland.
The farm organisation acknowledged the decision to reduce excise duty on petrol (-15c/L), diesel (-20c/L) and green diesel (-3c/L).
The government confirmed it will also reduce the NORA levy by 2c/L to a "nominal amount" for a period of two months.
However, Macra said the move does not go far enough to address the scale of rising fuel costs facing young people in rural Ireland.
As the conflict continues in the Middle East, there has been significant increases in energy prices, with fuel costs rising rapidly.
Macra
Macra national president Josephine O’Neill expressed disappointment at both at the delay in introducing supports and at the limited scope of the measures.
"While we welcome the announcement of these measures, we do so with disappointment and frustration.
"While our young people and young farmers grapple with significant cost increases, the government has been too slow to provide meaningful supports.
"While these reductions will provide some benefit, it is also disappointing that young farmers and agricultural contractors are excluded from the diesel rebate scheme," she said.
The Macra president said that access to a car is essential for young people in rural areas where there is limited public transport options available.
"In addition, farm machinery relies heavily on fuel, representing a significant and unavoidable cost, as the busy tillage season begins and silage season looms.
"Rising fuel prices are therefore having a direct impact on both daily living and farm operations," she said.
Macra is now calling on government to revisit the current measures "to ensure they are adequate in scale and inclusive of those working in agriculture".
The organisation also urged that the impact of rising fuel costs on rural communities continues to be closely monitored, with further supports introduced where necessary.
