Irish operators demand big cut in diesel duty
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Irish hauliers are pressing tneir government to cut fuel duty even though diesel in the Republic is much cheaper than in the UK.
The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) says diesel prices have jumped by 25% over the past year.
President Vincent Caulfield led a delegation to irisn Finance Minister Brian Cowan, warning that militancy over this issue could boil over unless a rebate is granted
"This year is going to be a watershed as far as haulage is concerned in this country," he adds. "Its the most serious situation we've faced since I've been invoived with the association in 20 years."
Caulfield adds that the problem has been exacerbated by Continental hauliers taking work and lowering average rates.
The IRHA, whose members are thought to own around half the Irish truck parc. wants a duty rebate of up to €0.20 (14p)/lit. Diesel in Ireland still only costs around 69p/lit; nearly 20p/lit less than in the UK.
Caulfield says the IRHA's plea received a sympathetic hearing. A further meeting has been arranged prior to December's Budget.