Energy support relief package receives mixed political views

Fine Gael TD for Offaly, Deputy John Clendennen has welcomed the Government’s announcement of a targeted package of measures aimed at easing the burden of rising fuel and energy costs on households, motorists, businesses and farmers.

However, the announcement has been described by fellow Dáil representative and Independent TD, Carol Nolan, as “one of the greatest non-events and con-jobs in this Government’s lifetime”.

Deputy Clendennen said the measures are designed to deliver practical relief at a time of "significant international uncertainty and volatility in energy markets".

"There will be significant reductions in excise duties and subsequently in fuel costs. These include a 20 cent reduction per litre of diesel, a 15 cent reduction per litre of petrol and a three cent reduction per litre of marked gas oil (green diesel). All of these reductions will remain in place until the end of May.

"Additionally, the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA) levy of two cent per litre on petrol, diesel, and home heating oil will be paused for two months from April 1, subject to legislation being passed this week.

"This means an effective total reduction of 22 cent per litre for diesel and 17 cent per litre for petrol.

“For consumers, this will mean real savings every time they fill their tank. A typical 60-litre fill will be around €10 cheaper for petrol users and €13 cheaper for diesel drivers. That’s money back in people’s pockets immediately,” Deputy Clendennen said.

Deputy Clendennen said the Government has also taken steps to support households with heating costs including a four-week extension of the fuel allowance season.

“This package recognises that many families are worried not just about transport costs but about keeping their homes warm. Extending the fuel allowance ensures targeted help reaches the most vulnerable,” Deputy Clendennen said.

Clendennen also emphasised the importance of keeping supply chains moving.

“The Government will increase the diesel rebate scheme from 7.5 cent to 12 cent per litre, backdate this increase to 1 January 2026 and extend the measure until 30 June 2026.

“This increase to the diesel rebate scheme and its extension will assist hauliers and public transport operators in managing rising costs, helping to stabilise prices across the wider economy and protect supply chains," he added.

Clendennen said the package "represents a balanced and responsible intervention".

Responding to the Government's suite of measures Deputy Nolan said the paltry reductions come, “despite the fact that members of Government parties are acting as if they are latter day St. Vincent de Pauls coming to the rescue of the oppressed Irish household.”

Although Deputy Nolan said she had been "strenuously advocating for a fuel support package", what Government delivered was “the thin gruel of a miserly administration, when what people needed, including hauliers, was a far more expansive package of supports that included a suspension of the carbon tax and the elimination of excise duty on home heating completely, both of which Government chose not to do.”

“Government members, including those in my own constituency, are out lauding these stingy cuts as if they were personally out filling up people’s cars or replenishing their home heating oil tanks. It is beyond farcical to witness this level of gaslighting and they need to be called out on it.

“I voted last night to support an amendment that would have completely removed the home heating oil excise duty, but it was defeated. I could not then in good conscience vote to assist the passage of the Governments financial resolution that left the carbon tax untouched and made no mention of any proposal regarding the suspension, reduction, or waiver of toll fees on the M50, Dublin Port Tunnel, or any other tolled roads as part of the current emergency fuel relief measures.

“What I wanted from Government on behalf of my constituents was something that would actually make a difference in the immediate and long-term. What they got was a slap in the face from an arrogant Government that seems to genuinely believe the bare minimum is equivalent to maximum effort. Not only that, but they are also expected to be thankful for that slap. It is absurd,” concluded Deputy Nolan.