Fine Gael TDs John O’Mahony, Michelle Mulherin, and Minster of State Michael Ring have welcomed the extension of the fuel rebate to include private coach operators. The measure, which is included in the Finance Bill, will provide an additional boost to the tourism industry.
Deputy O’Mahony said: “I have been working on this issue in a concerted manner for the last two months. Ever since the fuel rebate was announced for hauliers in the Budget, I have been pushing the case for the rebate to be extended to private coach operators. They are major players in the tourism industry, which has been identified by the Government as a key growth sector.”
From July 1, coach operators will be able to recoup 7.5 cent on each litre of diesel purchased. “The decision to introduce a diesel rebate for coach operators of 7.5 cent per litre will be warmly welcomed by those in the industry who have been struggling to make ends meet. Coach operators have been put to the pin of their collar as a result of the price of fuel, combined with the loss of business as a result of the recession. I know that this news will be warmly welcomed by the industry and will result in some operators actually staying afloat,” said Deputy Mulherin.
Minister Ring commented: “ In the year of The Gathering, it is essential that we do whatever we can to attract as many tourists as possible into the country. The Government’s efforts to boost tourism figures are already paying off; last year, for the second year in a row, we experienced a rise in visitor numbers. Furthermore, this is having a positive impact on jobs; the number of people employed in tourism related activities has increased by 7,300 since March 2011.”
