Hundreds gathered in Moate, Ireland for a 'crisis meeting' organized by leaders of April's fuel protests. Agricultural contractors and activists called for the complete abolition of the carbon tax, along with cuts to excise duty and VAT on fuel, threatening road protests if demands are not met by the government. Speakers linked rising fuel costs to the broader cost-of-living crisis and warned of knock-on effects on construction and rural livelihoods. The meeting highlighted growing rural pushback against carbon pricing mechanisms, even as the state seeks to meet climate targets. While opposition politicians attended, the focus was on immediate fuel affordability rather than long-term decarbonization. The event signals potential political friction ahead of budget negotiations, as protesters claim the current 32 cent diesel relief is insufficient to prevent economic strain.
