Carlow councillors narrowly back government fuel package amid 'too little, too late' criticism

CARLOW County Council members voted narrowly yesterday afternoon in favour of an emergency motion supporting the government’s €505 million fuel support package, passing it by 11 votes to seven.

The package would extend temporary measures to reduce excise duty on petrol, diesel and green diesel from the end of May to the end of July; reduce mineral oil taxes by 10c a litre on diesel and petrol, and 2.4c per litre on green diesel; postpone the scheduled increase in carbon tax from May until the budget in October; support haulage operators, local link providers and school transport providers; and introduce a fuel subsidy support scheme for farmers and fisheries.

Independent councillor Will Patton described the government’s reductions as “a drop in the ocean”, labelling them “tone deaf to what people on the street are thinking”.

“I can’t believe the anger that’s out there. I’ve had elderly people contact me to say that they’ve never rang a councillor before looking for anything. People are seriously concerned about the overall rise in cost of living and this government is simply not listening,” he said.

Cathaoirleach Ken Murnane pushed back. “I would not disregard €750 million plus in credits,” he said, to which cllr Patton replied: “That’s mainly going to the haulage sector and the farmers. What about the ordinary people?” Independent councillor John Cassin was unequivocal in his opposition. “I will not be supporting this. This is a disgrace that the government thinks that this is going to solve the problem of the fuel crisis.

“We have farmers who are very anxious about being able to sow their fields. We have lorry men who are very anxious with the cost of fuel rising. We have couriers. We have everyday people driving up and down to work. And then we have buses pulling away from contracts with Bus Éireann because they can't afford to put fuel in the tanks because it's just not cost effective.

“This is a pathetic attempt by the members of the Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil parties today … And I really hope that you reconsider this as a motion because it's not gone far enough,” he added.

People Before Profit councillor Adrienne Wallace was equally scathing. “You’re giving yourself a clap on the back for doing the bare minimum here.

“It’s six days into these massive protests that have really put people out, have fires. Nearly everyone in society is struggling. They’re telling you that they’re out on the streets shouting and crying about it. It’s had a knock-on effect on a lot of different industries and people. And you want a round of applause, is it? For doing the bare minimum?

“You should have met with these protesters after day one. And the fact that he didn’t even let four representatives from the grassroots movement into the meeting to have a proper discussion shows your arrogance and how far away the parties are removed from the genuine distress that comes across from many people in this country.

“You’re trying to make it look like you’re doing something when you’re doing nothing. It’s not enough. People all over this country are struggling. This is the worst global crisis we’ve had, I think, ever. You have not done enough and it is too little, too late,” she added.

Cllr Murnane replied: “Thanks, cllr Wallace. Maybe you can give us a country that’s doing more.” Sinn Féin councillor Jim Deane was also critical. “I think this motion doesn’t really go far enough and I’m not going to stay talking here about it – everyone is aware of the crisis at the moment. It’s a piecemeal deal that will help some people, but I would like to see more.” Fellow Sinn Féin councillor Andy Gladney turned his attention to the treatment of protesters at the Whitegate oil refinery in Co Cork, condemning the use of pepper spray and force by gardaí.

“Besides this package at all, I think that in relation to the men and women and children that were standing up for their rights – the way they were treated. Farmers being dragged from their tractors and kicked along the road. Whoever could stand up and put their hands up and say it was right to do this, the guards to do what they’ve done to these people who are standing up for their rights.

“They were there not to cause any trouble. They were just standing up for their rights and the way they were treated was a total and utter disgrace.” Fine Gael councillor Tommy Kinsella argued the protests were being directed at the wrong target. “I think the protest is being put in the wrong place. It’s the American embassy. Mr Trump caused all this,” he said, adding that further actions by the US president could lead to fuel becoming unavailable in Ireland.