In Ireland, The re-imposition of higher excise duties on fuels in August and October will lead to the closure of filling stations along and near the border businesses along the border Sligo Leitrim TD Marian Harkin told Minister for Finance Michael McGrath in the Dáil.
“At the moment a total of 89c from every litre of diesel and 98c from every litre of petrol is going into the coffers of Revenue,” Deputy Harkin said, “the amount of taxes and levies per litre on both these types of fuels is higher than at any time in the last five years so, Minister, you don't need increases in August or October. Minister you are taking in more money in tax and excise duty on petrol and diesel right now than at any time in the last five years.
Responding, Minister McGrath said that he intends to keep the increases under review, but pointed out he is merely re-establishing duties that had been eased during the cost-of-living crisis.
Deputy Harkin said this is not good enough. “We need to hear more than that, because from October 9 filling stations along the border will be selling fuel at a price that will be 15 to 20c per litre higher than fuel on the other side of the border. They can't remain open, and they can't sell fuel profitably at that difference in price.”
Deputy Harkin went on to say that this will not only lead to closure of businesses with consequent job losses but will also result in the State losing revenue.
“Many people who live within commuting distance of the border will travel for lower priced fuels and are very likely to do their shipping across the border.
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