Rural independents: Budget gives 'little to rural Ireland' 

Leader of the Rural TDs Mattie McGrath said Budget 2024 offers little benefit to rural Ireland. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The Rural Independent Group of TDs has criticised the Government for imposing carbon tax hikes that they say disproportionately affect rural households, and said the budget has done little for rural Ireland.

Finance Minister Michael McGrath confirmed that the rate per tonne of carbon dioxide emitted for petrol and diesel will go up from €48.50 to €56 from October 11 as per the trajectory set out in the Finance Act 2020.