Ireland unveils targeted support for hauliers and coaches whilst UK waits

The Irish Government has announced measures to support road users manage soaring fuel cost increases.

They’ve committed a €505m package which includes a further 10c per-litre reduction on fuel duty on diesel and petrol.

They’re also offering targeted support for Ireland’s haulage and coach operators through a new Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) where businesses will receive payments for April and May, if the national average price of diesel exceeds €1.90 per litre in the month. Coach operators providing local link and school transport services are set to receive additional support.

Other countries including France, Spain and Italy are also supporting operators with fuel duty relief and our message is that ministers here must follow suit.

In the UK, the cost of diesel has increased by around 40% since the start of the conflict so we need urgent action to support and give confidence to the road transport businesses on which the economy relies.

We urge the Government to back our industry now with a targeted Essential User Rebate to reduce the cost of moving people and goods.

We’re also campaigning for fair payment terms to support cashflow across the sector, and calling on the Chancellor to scrap fuel duty increases planned from September and delinking from RPI in April 2027.

The country relies on transport operators to move people and goods efficiently and economically. The Government recognises that and now must announce measures that support them to continue doing so.