Fuel excise cuts which were implemented in Ireland to help those who depend on petrol or diesel vehicles cope with higher prices as a result of the conflict between the US and Iran, will now be extended until September.

The temporary measures were brought in last April with a view to removing the provision by the end of July.

However, the Cabinet is expected today (Tuesday, June 30) to approve a memo extending the cuts to fuel excise until September, followed by a gradual phase out of the measures after September 1.

The current measures have resulted in an excise duty cut of 27c/L on petrol and 32c/L on diesel.

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has said: "The [government's] reversal on fuel excise hikes is positive.

"It comes after significant pressure from Aontú. Ireland remains very expensive for energy.

"It's bad for families, businesses [and] farmers. Efforts to jack up excise on petrol/diesel in [September] will be opposed by Aontú."

Meanwhile, independent senator, Victor Boyhan has given a 'guarded' welcome to the news that the government will unveil its Draft Rural Housing Guidelines today.

"The devil is in the details, so I will be examining in detail the possibilities and the finer detail of the government draft guidelines – clarity and practicality for those wanting to pursue the option of building their own home being the key," Boyhan said.

Senator Victor Boyhan has long campaigned for policies that support 'one-off' housing on family-owned land and farm homesteads, particularly emphasising social cohesion and economic need for homes for returning emigrants and local families.

Fuel protests

Earlier this year, farmers, contractors and hauliers led protests across the country to highlight the challenges being faced as a result of increasing fuel prices.

Several fuel distribution depots were blockaded by protestors and some areas experienced a drought in fuel as lorries could get through the blockade to secure supplies from the depots.

After some discussion with government representatives, the protests were eventually stood down and an €85 million fuel subsidy package was announced.

So far about 32,000 farmers have applied to avail of the Fuel Income Support Scheme, while more than 2,000 contractors have applied.

Oil prices have stabilised since the introduction of the fuel support measures in Ireland and prices at the pumps have returned to those seen before the war began in Iran.

However the government is expected to agree to extend the measures throughout the summer to avoid a 'cliff-edge' scenario for the public and businesses.