Agri-contractors threaten day of action on M50 over green diesel costs

Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has called on the Government to take immediate emergency action on fuel costs, similar to what has been done in France.

He warned that Ireland is now facing a full-scale rural economic crisis as hauliers, contractors and farmers unite over soaring diesel prices.

Speaking following a packed meeting of over 400 contractors and hauliers in Portlaoise on Saturday, Mr Mullooly said the situation has escalated far beyond a sectoral issue and now poses a direct threat to food production, supply chains and the wider economy.

“From trucks to tractors, every link in the chain is now under pressure,” he said. “This is no longer just a haulage issue – it is a farming issue, a food price issue and a national economic issue.” Organised by the Association of Farm Machinery Contractors in Ireland, the speakers outlined the enormous financial pressure now bearing down on businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat. The clear message from the floor was that without urgent intervention, many operators will simply not survive, Independent Ireland said.

Mr Mullooly said frustration among contractors and hauliers is reaching breaking point, with many calling for potential road blockades, including at Dublin Airport and along the M50. “People are not talking about protest for the sake of it - they are talking about survival, If action is not taken, this will escalate.” 

A unanimous decision was taken to formally establish a committee to engage directly with Government as a matter of urgency. That committee will now seek immediate meetings with Government ministers to present a clear set of demands aimed at protecting jobs, businesses and the future of the sector.

There was deep anger and mounting frustration throughout the meeting at what was described as the Government’s weak, inadequate and wholly out-of-touch response to this crisis, Independent Ireland said.

Mr Mullooly said one immediate step that can and must be taken is the scrapping of excise duty on green diesel, warning that this is essential if contractors are to remain viable in the weeks ahead.

He rejected any suggestion that EU rules prevent such action, pointing to developments in France.

“France acted within hours and broke no EU rules. They have already moved to suspend excise duties on green diesel and introduce targeted fuel supports for operators. Ireland can do the same next week,” he said. “The EU is not the barrier here - political will is.” Mr Mullooly also highlighted a fundamental inequality in how different groups are treated despite facing the same costs.

“Everyone is paying the same price at the pump, but self-employed contractors are being treated differently. You have people doing the same work, using the same fuel, but not receiving the same supports. That cannot continue.” He warned that the consequences of inaction will extend far beyond the sectors represented in the room.

“From trucks to tractors, every link in the chain is now under pressure. If this is not addressed immediately, it will feed directly into farming costs, food prices and the wider economy.” Mr Mullooly said the situation now requires urgent Government intervention and a clear demonstration that those keeping the economy moving will be supported.

“The question now is simple – will the Government act, or will it allow this crisis to escalate further?”