The Rural Independents Group of TDs has said it will make the halting and roll-back of the Carbon Tax a “red line issue” in any talks to form a government after the 2024 General Election.
With the election only days away, the group has reiterated its opposition to the government’s “aggressive and punitive green taxes in fuel”.
Rural Independents Group member and Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath said: “Since the coalition government of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and the Green Party came to power in 2020, motorists, farmers, hauliers, and all transport operators have been hammered with escalating fuel costs due to annual increases in Carbon Tax.
“These taxes are crippling rural communities. The government’s tax policies have added approximately €12 to the cost of filling a car tank of fuel.”
McGrath – who will run in the new Tipperary South constituency at this election – said that a potential increase in Carbon Tax by €10 over the full lifetime of the next government would be “unacceptable and unsustainable”.
According to the TD, the taxes disproportionately impact rural Ireland, where there is greater reliance on vehicle use for people’s day-to-day lives.
“Our farmers, hauliers, and all transport operators are being hit hardest. These taxes also drive up the cost of all goods that need to be transported, affecting everyone, but especially those in rural areas,” he said.
McGrath claimed that the Rural Independents Group has been the “only consistent opposition to these punitive taxes”.
“We will make it a red line issue in any future government negotiations to roll back these taxes and halt any further increases,” McGrath said.
“It’s time to stand up against this tax grab and ensure fair treatment for all road users. We need to protect our rural communities from these punitive measures,” he added.
Carbon Tax on peat soils
Separate concerns have also been raised about the Carbon Tax in relation to peat soils, with the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association (INHFA) saying it is concerned that commitments given on the Nature Restoration Law may be undermined through the introduction of a carbon tax on peat soils.
In the development of the controversial law, INHFA president Vincent Roddy said “commitments were given to farmers on drained peat soils and those farming our uplands that any farmer engagement will be on a voluntary basis”.
“While these commitments are critical, their intention could be undermined through the introduction of a Carbon Tax on these lands,” Roddy added.
The farm organisation warned that, in the event of a Carbon Tax on these soils, the farmers concerned may be forced into rewetting or restoration measures if they are unable to pay the tax.