Fitzmaurice wants Dáil recalled as fuel crisis deepens
The escalating fuel crisis is having a direct and severe impact on farming, housing, the cost of living and the wider economy, says Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice.
An immediate recall of the Dáil has been called for by Independent Ireland agriculture spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice who is 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 said the situation has worsened significantly in recent days, with 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.
“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. That is why the Dáil must be recalled immediately," he said.
"We also must have clarification on what reserves we have in place. 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 for the last number of decades? We must have urgent clarity on that issue," he stressed.
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. At current prices, that is adding significant daily costs that will ultimately be passed on to homebuyers,” he warned.
“You cannot build houses, roads, or infrastructure without this fuel. If costs continue to rise unchecked, the housing crisis will worsen.”
Deputy Fitzmaurice also highlighted the serious implications for agriculture, particularly as the silage season approaches. “A silage harvester can take up to 1,000 litres to fill. At current prices, that is an additional €700 per fill, often twice in a single day,” he pointed out.
“There is no support to offset this. Farmers and contractors simply cannot absorb these costs.”
Deputy Fitzmaurice criticised what he described as the Government’s refusal to address carbon tax, despite its direct impact on fuel costs.
“Green diesel has risen dramatically, yet the response has been minimal. The reality is that carbon tax is adding to these costs, and it must now be eliminated as one of measures enacted to reduce the current hardship being faced across the board,” he said.
Deputy Fitzmaurice went on to say that 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.”
He warned that failure to act will have lasting consequences. “If this continues, it will drive up the cost of living, increase food prices, and further delay housing delivery. The Government has the power to act — it must do so now."
