Irish contractor group demands carbon tax scrapping in Budget 2027 at cost of living crisis meeting

At a crisis meeting in Moate, Westmeath, agricultural contractor Neilus O'Connor called for the abolition of Ireland's carbon tax in next week's budget. The meeting, organized by leaders of April's fuel protests, agreed to stage further protests if the tax remains. O'Connor suggested shifting the carbon tax to aviation to ease pressure on households and businesses. The demand comes as the government prepares Budget 2027. Critics argue the carbon tax disproportionately affects rural and low-income households, while supporters point to its role in funding climate measures. The outcome will signal how the Irish government balances climate commitments with cost of living concerns.