Rebate system could generate almost €200m for Exchequer, say hauliers

Road hauliers have today called on the Government to meet them half-way in the Budget by tackling the problem of fuel costs and illegal fuel sale.

The Irish Road Haulage Association is launching its pre-Budget submission, asking Government to implement rebate models similar to elsewhere in Europe, to encourage hauliers to buy their fuel in Ireland.

The group says the industry is being pushed to the brink of collapse by increasing fuel prices and the illegal fuel at a time when the country needs this industry to drive export-led growth.

Irish Road Hauliers Association president Eoin Gavin said that a rebate system would not cost the Government much but would bring in some extra revenue.

"Currently, if I fill one of my trucks in Belgium this morning, the Government is losing out on €650 in excise duty. I'm saving approximately €100," he said.

"We've the survey worked out that almost €200m can be saved on this.

"We're also saying that the same rebate system should be used for agricultural diesel."