Fuel Support Scheme will 'support those most affected' says Kilkenny TD
Fuel Crisis - Government announces new supports for transport, farm sectors
New government measures to help alleviate the impact of the fuel crisis have been welcomed by Kilkenny's Deputy John McGuinness.
Leas Ceann Comhairle and Fianna Fáil TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, Deputy McGuinness, said the measures are timely and essential.
“This is a substantial and necessary intervention by Government at a time when rising global fuel costs – driven by instability in the Middle East – are placing enormous pressure on transport operators, farmers and those working in our fishing industry. These sectors are the backbone of our rural economy and supply chains, particularly in counties like Carlow and Kilkenny.”
IFA President Francie Gorman said it’s vital that the Government fuel support package delivers meaningful cost reductions for farmers.
“At the end of the day, farmers sit at the end of the value chain and cannot pass on the massive increases in energy and fertiliser prices we have seen over the past two months.
"That’s why it is so important that the fuel support package delivers cost reductions to farmer, both directly via the 20 cent green diesel rebate scheme and indirectly by minimising cost increases in agri contracting services,” Mr Gorman said.
Deputy McGuinness said farmers and contractors have been under sustained pressure from rising input costs. “This scheme directly addresses those challenges and ensures that support is targeted at those most affected.”
The IFA President outlined how important it is that the fuel support scheme is easy to apply for, for both farmers and contractors, and that funds are paid out as quickly as possible.
“This support scheme needs to be straightforward to apply for. Those who are heavy users of diesel, be it farmers or contractors, need this cashflow injection as soon as possible.”
“It is also clear that there appears to be no end in sight to the spike in oil prices; the Government has to be ready to extend these supports beyond July if the disruption to energy markets continues into the summer,” the President continued.
The Fuel Support Scheme covers the period March to July 2026 and will be based on verified 2025 fuel usage (Marked Gas Oil only). The scheme will provide support of approximately 20 cent per litre. It will be paid in a single payment per applicant covering the full five-month period. Applications expect to open in early May.