Macra calls for government action on rising energy costs

Macra na Feirme has said the rising cost of energy is having "a significant impact" on young people living and working in rural Ireland who are already grappling with the high cost of living.

The energy crisis has prompted Macra National President Josephine O’Neill to call for "immediate action" from the government to ease the pressure.

The rising price of fuel for agricultural vehicles, in particular, is placing additional financial pressure on young farmers who are operating on tight budgets and small margins., according to Macra. At a time when the price they are receiving for their produce has fallen, input costs for young farmers are continuing to spiral, placing "real pressure" on the future viability of many family farms, the organisation says.

Macra has also pointed out the importance of those living in rural communities having access to a private vehicle, given that access to public transport is often very limited. Many young people rely on their cars to travel to work, college, training and social activities, and rising petrol and diesel costs are therefore having "a direct and unavoidable impact on their daily lives" says Macra, while higher prices for home heating oil are adding further strain, particularly for young people renting or managing households for the first time.

"Young people have already been feeling the pinch of inflation. This unexpected and significant rise in fuel costs will further stretch already tight budgets. To support young people in living and working in rural Ireland, we need the government to ease fuel taxes for the duration of the ongoing conflict" said Macra President, Josephine O'Neill.