Clare’s councillors have clashed over the government’s response to surging fuel prices brought on by the war in the Middle East.
It comes despite all members of the local authority unanimously supporting an emergency motion for enhanced cost of living supports.
Long before the turbulent events of last week, Fianna Fáil’s Michael Shannon submitted a motion calling for increased tax reliefs on agri-diesel.
Despite the further 2.4 cent per litre cut announced on Sunday, the Quilty Councillor believes much more is needed from government to alleviate pressure on farmers and reduce food inflation.
The illegal blockades of ports and at the Whitegate Oil Refinery in Cork saw over a third of filling stations nationwide run completely dry last week.
Fuels for Ireland is now warning it will take a number of days for supplies and prices to recover following the disruption.
Kilmurry Councillor and Oil Merchant Alan O’Callaghan claims the situation was exacerbated by changing market conditions which led to filling stations delaying their purchases.
The Chair of the Killaloe Municipal District, meanwhile, believes the coalition has done as much as it possibly can so far to take the cost burden off the agri sector amid the Iranian War.
Whitegate Fine Gael Councillor Pat Burke says its extremely difficult for the Government to respond to a volatile crisis.
A Clare Sinn Féin representative believes, however, the cost of living supports aren’t nearly sufficient and wants to see a general election called.
Clarecastle Councillor Tommy Guilfoyle claims the current government isn’t capable of dealing with the problem.
You can listen to the full interview below.
*Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
