TD calls for Dáil recall to address fuel ‘crisis’
Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called for the immediate recall of the Dáil, warning that “the escalating fuel crisis is now having a direct and severe impact on farming, housing, the cost of living and the wider economy”.
Deputy Fitzmaurice, agriculture spokesperson for his party, said that the situation has "worsened significantly in recent days".
The TD cited “green diesel now reaching €1.70 per litre”, and petrol and diesel “heading back towards costs seen before excise cuts placing unsustainable pressure on householders and key sectors”.
He said: “Ten days ago I outlined the key issues we would face if the government did not act.
“We are now seeing that crisis escalate in real time.
“We must act urgently."
He added: “That is why the Dáil must be recalled immediately."
Deputy Fitzmaurice said that clarity is needed on “what reserves we have in the first place”.
He said: “We have always been told that we have three months’ emergency supply, if you listen to some ministers, it would make you wonder if in fact we do - if we don't have 90 days’ supply in reserve why are we paying NORA (National Oil Reserves Agency) for the last number of decades?”
Pressure
Deputy Fitzmaurice warned that rising green diesel costs are impacting every stage of housing delivery and agricultural production.
“Every digger, every dumper, every machine on a building site is running on green diesel,” he said.
“At current prices, that is adding significant daily costs that will ultimately be passed on to homebuyers.
“You cannot build houses, roads, or infrastructure without this fuel.
“If costs continue to rise unchecked, the housing crisis will worsen.”
He reiterated that machinery across construction and quarrying is heavily dependent on green diesel, warning again that continued inaction will “cripple housing delivery”.
Farming and food production
The TD also highlighted the implications for agriculture, particularly as the silage season approaches.
“A silage harvester can take up to 1,000 litres to fill,” he said.
“At current prices, that is an additional €700 per fill, often twice in a single day.
“There is no support to offset this. Farmers and contractors simply cannot absorb these costs.”
Call for immediate action
Deputy Fitzmaurice said the current situation requires urgent political intervention.
“The crisis is escalating. Costs are rising daily, and the impact is being felt across housing, agriculture, haulage and the wider economy,” he said.
“We cannot wait.
“The Dáil must be recalled and we must see action on fuel costs and carbon tax — before further damage is done.”
Government TDs
Earlier this week, Fianna Fáil TD for Tipperary North Ryan O'Meara called on the government to take "immediate action" on the increase in green diesel costs since the conflict in the Middle East broke out.
Additionally, his party colleague Erin McGreehan confirmed she has written to Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris, calling for measures to address increasing fuel costs in the agriculture sector.
"I fully recognise that the government cannot shield our domestic economy from every external shock. I believe additional measures should be taken to support the sectors that are most exposed to increases in the price of oil," McGreehan said.
