Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice has called for the Dáil to be recalled over the current surge in fuel prices.

Deputy Fitzmaurice, who is the party’s agriculture spokesperson, warned that the escalating fuel crisis is now having a direct and severe impact on farming, housing, the cost of living and the wider economy.

He said the situation has worsened significantly in recent days, with green diesel now reaching €1.70/l and petrol and diesel head back towards costs seen before excise cuts implemented by Government last week.

ADVERTISEMENT

“Ten days ago, I outlined the key issues we would face if the Government did not act. We are now seeing that crisis escalate in real time. We must act urgently. That is why the Dáil must be recalled immediately,” he said.

Reserves

Deputy Fitzmaurice is also seeking clarification on what oil reserves are in place in the country.

“We have always been told that we have three months' emergency supply - if you listen to some ministers, it would make you wonder if in fact we do.

"If we don't have 90 days' supply in reserve, why are we paying NORA for the last number of decades? We must have urgent clarity on that issue,” he said.

Deputy Fitzmaurice warned that rising green diesel costs are affecting every stage of housing delivery and agricultural production.

Costs

“Every digger, every dumper, every machine on a building site is running on green diesel. At current prices, that is adding significant daily costs that will ultimately be passed on to home buyers,” he said.

“You cannot build houses, roads or infrastructure without this fuel. If costs continue to rise unchecked, the housing crisis will worsen.”

Deputy Fitzmaurice also highlighted the serious implications for agriculture, particularly as the silage season approaches.

“A silage harvester can take up to 1,000 litres to fill. At current prices, that is an additional €700 per fill, often twice in a single day,” he said.

“There is no support to offset this. Farmers and contractors simply cannot absorb these costs.”

Deputy Fitzmaurice’s call to recall the Dáil comes as plans are being put in place among hauliers, farmers and other sectors of the economy to hold a protest in Dublin on Tuesday over the increase in fuel prices.