MEP demands Taoiseach and Tánaiste meet fuel protesters today
Tractors and trucks during a blockade of O'Connell Street, part of a nationwide fuel protest involving slow-moving convoys causes disruption on major routes. Photograph: Leah Farrell / ©RollingNews.ie
Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has called on the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris to immediately invite representatives of protesting farmers, contractors and hauliers into Government Buildings today to address their concerns.
Mr Mullooly said the failure to engage has fuelled anger on the ground, with tractors once again taking to the roads across Ireland as businesses struggle to survive rising fuel costs.
Mr Mullooly warned that despite recent easing in global tensions, energy disruption is set to continue in the short and medium term. “This crisis is far from over. Prices will remain volatile and unpredictable, and the pressure on farmers, contractors and families will continue,” he said. “That is why action must be taken now - both in Dublin and in Brussels - before the situation worsens further.”
“People have reached breaking point,” Mr Mullooly said. “These are viable businesses who simply want to be heard. The Government must bring them in today, sit down with them, and start delivering real solutions.”
Mr Mullooly also raised serious concern about the sharp rise in kerosene prices, warning that low-income households are being left behind.
“Many people, particularly older people, rely on home heating oil and cannot afford to upgrade their systems,” he said. “They are trapped between a rock and a hard place. We need targeted supports now to protect those most exposed to this crisis.”
The MEP confirmed he is meeting with representatives of the European Commission and fellow MEPs in Brussels today to press for urgent action at EU level.
He reiterated his five-point plan, including temporary State Aid flexibility, VAT and excise reductions, early CAP payments, activation of the EU Agricultural Crisis Reserve, and a recovery-style support mechanism, saying all options must now be pursued without delay.
