Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has said frustration among contractors and hauliers over the cost of fuel 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,” he said. The Dáil voted last week on an emergency financial resolution to reduce excise duty on petrol by 15c and on diesel by 20c, as well as 3c on green diesel. "This is no longer just a haulage issue – it is a farming issue, a food price issue and a national economic issue,” he added. Mr Mullooly suggested the scrapping of excise duty on green diesel, warning that it was essential if contractors are to remain viable in the weeks ahead.

Source: Irish Independent March 29, 2026 21:35 UTC