Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow, John Brady, has said that the Government must reverse course on its commitment to increase fuel taxes from November 1st, while fuel prices remain exceptionally high and Wicklow families continue to struggle with the cost of living.
Deputy Brady’s comments follow today’s recalled sitting of the Dáil, where the Government, with the support of the Social Democrats, Labour and many Independents, voted to proceed with increases in fuel taxes from November 1st.
Teachta Brady said:
“Families across Wicklow are already under enormous pressure.
“The cost of filling the car, getting to work, bringing children to school and managing weekly household bills has become a serious burden.
“People need a real break from rising costs.
“What they do not need is a Government that takes decisions that add additional pressure.
“Today, with the support of the Social Democrats, Labour and many Independents, the Government voted to proceed with increases in fuel taxes from November.
“In the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, the Government’s answer is not to support families by categorically ruling out further punitive fuel tax increases, but to proceed with further increases from November through to February.
“It is deeply disappointing that the Social Democrats and Labour chose to side with the Government on this flawed approach.
“Sinn Féin stood firmly against this approach, voted against the increases from November and brought an amendment that called for no further tax increases on petrol and diesel while fuel prices remain high.
“This approach is in recognition of the extraordinary pressure that families in Wicklow are already under.
“For those who have to drive to work, depend on a car for school runs, or travel long distances for employment and essential services, these costs are not optional.
“Government has failed to provide viable and reliable alternatives to car travel for many people, and now it seeks to punish the public for its own failures.
“While Government cannot control international geopolitical events or the price of oil, it absolutely controls the taxes it places on petrol and diesel.
“People need to know, definitively, that while fuel prices remain high, further tax increases will not be piled onto those who are already struggling.
“The Government must keep these taxes off while fuel prices remain high, and Budget 2027 must deliver meaningful cost-of-living relief.
“People in Wicklow deserve certainty. They deserve a break. They deserve a Government that stands with them, not one that is taking an active decision to hike their bills from November 1st.”
ENDS