Macra has voiced increasing concerns over the soaring cost of energy and the substantial effects it is having on young people who work and live in rural Ireland.

Rising fuel prices are forcing additional strain on many young people already grappling with the high cost of living.

Macra has said that access to a private vehicle is often essential for people living in rural Ireland due to limited public transport in many areas. The rising diesel and petrol costs are therefore “having a direct and unavoidable impact on their daily lives”.

ADVERTISEMENT

Additionally, Macra highlighted that rising home heating oil prices are placing further pressure on young people renting or managing a household for the first time.

Macra president Josephine O’Neill commented on how increasing fuel prices for agricultural vehicles is also placing more pressure on young farmers operating on tight budgets and small margins.

“Our young farmers are facing a stark reality. In recent weeks, the price they receive for their produce has fallen, while input costs continue to spiral.

"Margins that were already tight are now being squeezed even further, placing real pressure on the viability of family farms,” she said.

O’Neill called on the Government to act quick in easing the pressure of rising fuel costs on young people in rural Ireland, stating “young people have already been feeling the pinch of inflation".

"This unexpected and significant rise in fuel costs will further stretch already tight budgets. To support young people in living and working in rural Ireland, we need the Government to ease fuel taxes for the duration of the ongoing conflict.”