Danny Healy Rae Urges Carbon Tax Scrap and Fuel Relief for Construction Sector in Dáil Debate

Kerry Independent TD Danny Healy Rae used a Dáil debate on fuel and energy costs to call for the abolition of the carbon tax, arguing that rising heating oil and diesel prices are hitting rural households and businesses hard. He highlighted that the cost of kerosene has jumped from 90 cent to €1.68, making it unaffordable for many, and that agricultural contractors who missed out on previous relief packages still need support. Healy Rae also took aim at the government's failure to include construction vehicles, such as diggers and cranes, in the May fuel relief scheme, despite Taoiseach statements suggesting they would be covered. He warned that fixed-price contracts are causing contractors to lose money, and urged ministers to clarify who is responsible and to extend the relief promptly.