Government warned to cap fuel prices or face rising unemployment at the council meeting
The Government have been urged to cap fuel prices or face rising unemployment.
That was the message from Cllr Felim Gurn (Ind) in a motion that he submitted to the recent bi-monthly meeting of Leitrim County Council.
He asked for a fuel cap at €1.80 per litre for a few months, “so the SME business sector, farming sector, hauliers and building contractors can make viable decisions for their business, otherwise the rate of unemployment is likely to increase drastically.”
“Support measures should be funded through the 'rainy day' fund or corporation tax receipts. While acknowledging that the government has brought in support measures, these do not go far enough.
“Fuel prices in 2016 were €1.08 and it's now €2.12, with €0.30 cents taken off it. The anger on the ground by hard-working people is not being addressed,” the motion added.
Cllr Gurn told the meeting that young people building their first house are being badly affected. “These people are facing extra costs or else or they will have to stop building the house,” he explained.
“There could be up to 20 people working on the building of a house. Everything in relation to do with the building of houses has gone through the roof,” Cllr Gurn added.
Cllr Padraig Fallon (SF) supported the motion. “Fuel increases impact everything, including household costs such as groceries and bills,” he stated.
“Hauliers and businesses are being affected,” he commented.
Cllr Enda McGloin (FG) sounded a note of caution.
“The Government have to monitor scenarios where there could be fuel shortages. I echo the sentiments made, but the logistics of a cap could be challenging,” he stated.