Martin Heydon has announced a €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme to assist farmers, agricultural contractors, and fishers in Ireland facing rising fuel costs. The support will cover the period from March to July, aligning with peak fuel usage in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
The scheme responds to a sharp increase in the price of marked gas oil (green diesel), which has nearly doubled in recent months due to geopolitical instability. This surge has placed significant financial strain on Ireland’s food production sectors, making targeted government support necessary to sustain operations during critical periods.
Funding will be distributed at a rate of €20 million per month and will be linked to verified fuel usage from the previous year to ensure fair allocation. Farmers and agricultural contractors will receive support equivalent to approximately 20 cents per litre of fuel used, with payments based on actual consumption to prioritize those most affected.
Around 120,000 farmers and 1,500 agricultural contractors are expected to benefit from the scheme. Eligibility will require proof of active operations, tax compliance, and documented fuel usage, with checks and inspections in place to ensure transparency and accountability.
A portion of the funding will also be allocated to fishers and other affected sectors such as forestry and horticulture, with tailored support measures being developed. Overall, the initiative aims to ease cost pressures, sustain rural economic activity, and protect essential food production during a period of heightened fuel price volatility.
