Government Engages with Key Sectors to Address Fuel Crisis and Support Economy

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, and Minister for Transport, Darragh O'Brien, together with Ministers of State Sean Canney, Noel Grealish, Timmy Dooley and Michael Healy-Rae, today met with national representative bodies from the agricultural contractors, farming, food, transport, and freight sectors to discuss the significant challenges arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The meeting brought together all major representative organisations for a full and frank discussion on the growing pressures facing these sectors, particularly in relation to rising fuel and fertiliser costs, which are driving increased production expenses and placing strain across supply chains.

Ministers expressed their understanding of the seriousness of the situation and the pressures being experienced by farmers, contractors, and transport operators. They emphasised the Government's commitment to supporting those affected and acknowledged the need for swift and targeted action.

Ministers confirmed that a significant and enhanced support package, in addition to the €250m already allocated, is being finalised in detail to alleviate the burden on impacted sectors.

Ministers stressed that constructive engagement with stakeholders will continue over the weekend and will reconvene again tomorrow to finalise the details of the response. They reaffirmed their intention to bring proposals to a conclusion as quickly as possible.