As per reports, as of Wednesday (29 April), the Government of Ireland is set to announce a fuel support scheme targeting key sectors affected by rising fuel costs and recent protests.
• The measures are designed to support industries including agriculture, quarries, haulage, construction, and fisheries.
• The scheme has been developed in response to recent fuel-related demonstrations and blockades, which highlighted operational and cost pressures across these sectors.
• The scheme is expected to open for applications from mid-May 2026, with payments to follow shortly thereafter.
• It will cover the period from March to the end of July 2026. Under the programme, up to 120,000 farmers and approximately 1,500 full-time agricultural contractors are expected to receive financial assistance.
• When combined with previously implemented excise reductions, the support package is expected to provide an effective reduction of approximately EUR 274 per 1,000 litres of green diesel.
• Additional provisions have been included for quarry and construction vehicle operators, although these participants may experience delayed access to the scheme due to their later inclusion following government consultations.
• The transport component of the package is estimated at EUR 120 million over a three-month period, forming part of a broader EUR 500 million support framework. The scheme will be formally outlined by Martin Heydon and Darragh O’Brien during a press briefing at Government Buildings.
• The policy is also being introduced within a broader political context, where opposition groups are advocating for additional financial interventions to address the ongoing fuel cost environment.