Fine Gael Galway West Senator, Fidelma Healy Eames, has slammed the fuel price increase which came into effect following the annoucement in the Budget on Tuesday.
“In the Budget we see an increase in petrol and diesel prices by four cents and two cents per litre respectively. These increases will cause serious problems for businesses right across this country.
“The transport and haulage sectors of our economy in particular are already under enormous pressure and this represents another increase in operational costs. These increases will do nothing to help us on the road to recovery. The impact fuel hikes have on our economy is to hurt jobs.
“According to sources I spoke to in the Galway haulage industry, this decision will cost companies €20 more per trip to Dublin. This extra cost is accompanied by the already high toll fees, as well as the carbon tax levy, both of which must be absorbed by businesses who are forced to reduce staff numbers in an attempt to keep costs down.
“Irish citizens are already subjected to exceptionally high fuel costs and with no sign of a decrease in international oil prices, this Government Budgetary decision lacks common sense.
“It is hard to believe that, like the Recovery Plan, this Budget is completely devoid of any sort of job creation stimulus. The Government cannot expect its plan to be successful if it continues to cripple small businesses who are the drivers of our economy. This announcement is one thing only and that is anti-jobs,” she said.
