Speaking at an event by the Association of Farm Machinery Contractors in Ireland on Saturday in Portlaoise, Mr Mullooly said that the situation has escalated far beyond a sectoral issue and now poses a “direct threat to food production, supply chains and the wider economy”.
“People are not talking about protest for the sake of it – they are talking about survival, If action is not taken, this will escalate,” he said.
Mr Mullooly called on the Government to take immediate emergency action like France has done on fuel costs, warning that Ireland is now facing a full-scale rural economic crisis as hauliers, contractors and farmers unite over soaring diesel prices.
This comes following weeks of fluctuating fuel and heating oil prices, as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and the subsequent restriction on imports due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Dáil voted last week on an emergency financial resolution to reduce excise duty on petrol by 15c and on diesel by 20c, as well as 3c on green diesel.
There was deep anger and mounting frustration throughout the meeting at what was described as “the Government’s weak, inadequate and wholly out-of-touch response to this crisis.”
Mr Mullooly said one immediate step that can and must be taken is the scrapping of excise duty on green diesel, warning that this is essential if contractors are to remain viable in the weeks ahead.
“From trucks to tractors, every link in the chain is now under pressure,” he said.
“This is no longer just a haulage issue – it is a farming issue, a food price issue and a national economic issue,” he added.
A unanimous decision was taken to formally establish a committee to engage directly with Government as a matter of urgency.
That committee will now seek immediate meetings with Government Ministers to present a clear set of demands aimed at protecting jobs, businesses and the future of the sector.
Mr Mullooly suggested the scrapping of excise duty on green diesel, warning that it was essential if contractors are to remain viable in the weeks ahead.
“Everyone is paying the same price at the pump, but self-employed contractors are being treated differently. You have people doing the same work, using the same fuel, but not receiving the same supports,” he said.
“From trucks to tractors, every link in the chain is now under pressure. If this is not addressed immediately, it will feed directly into farming costs, food prices and the wider economy.”
Mr Mullooly said the situation now requires urgent Government intervention and a clear demonstration that those keeping the economy moving will be supported.