Concern in Waterford that 'half measures' won't resolve fuel crisis
Concern has been expressed in Waterford over spiralling home-heating and fuel costs
Sinn Féin TDs for Waterford, Deputy David Cullinane and Conor D. McGuinness, have said the response of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to soaring fuel prices “falls far short of what is needed” and fails to deliver meaningful relief for struggling households.
Commenting on the matter, in the wake of measures announced by the Government, Deputy Cullinane said: "The measures announced by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael come weeks too late and only after sustained public pressure and pressure from Sinn Féin."
"For the past month, families and workers have been hammered by spiralling fuel costs," he said.
"People are struggling to heat their homes and fill their cars, while this Government stood back," he added. Deputy Cullinane said it took sustained pressure and public anger to force action, but added: "What has been brought forward does not go far enough. Motorists needed the maximum reduction at the pumps but chose not to do it."
“The extension of the fuel allowance by just four weeks - €152 - is a drop in the ocean," he said.
"It won’t make a meaningful difference."
He then referenced how his party was moving an amendment "to deliver the maximum reduction on diesel, similar cuts to petrol and to remove excise tax completely from home heating oil".
Meanwhile, Deputy McGuinness said the Government’s approach to home heating oil was "a complete failure".
“The cost of a fill has doubled in weeks, yet Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael offer just two cent per litre," he said.
"That is not support - it is an insult," he added, before going on to comment: "They will claw this back through another carbon tax hike in a matter of weeks. They give with one hand and take with the other. There is a multi-billion-euro surplus and millions in additional tax revenue from rising prices. The issue is not money - it is political will."
“Once again, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are choosing to do the bare minimum," he said.
"This is a real emergency for households. It demands real action - not half-measures.”
