A truck driver from Co Wexford has said she joined the fuel protests so her voice could be heard, but she does not think that the Government’s support package will make a difference to her.
Sarah Wiers, who is also a country singer, took part in the protests as rising energy costs are impacting her professional and personal lives.
She described the Government package as “throwing breadcrumbs to chickens”.
“If the haulage sector doesn’t get the right care and looking after, I could lose my job,” she said.
“But I’m also someone who has to put petrol in her car to get to work and we’ve heating oil in the house. We’ve an old house, we don’t have the new pumps or systems so we’re reliant on that.”
Following a week of protests and blockades that caused widespread disruption, Government announced a €505million package to support those struggling with fuel costs.
It included a 10 cent per litre excise reduction on petrol and diesel, and a 2.4 cent per litre reduction on green diesel, until the end of July.
Sarah Wiers has been driving a truck since last year
Ms Wier said she does not think these measures will make much of a difference to people.
“I filled the truck last night. I burn 180 litres in the day. 10 cent in a short period of time now isn’t a lot. Over years, yes, maybe, but we need the help now,” she said.
“At the end of the day, we’re still unhappy and we feel we still need to keep the pressure on. Exactly how without disrupting things too much, I’m not sure. But I think it’ll be a case of talking to politicians and getting across that this is not ok.”
This week also marks Logistics and Supply Chain Skills Week, which encourages young people to take up jobs in trucking and logistics.
Ms Wier has been working as a truck driver since last year and praised her co-workers for how they welcomed her to the role.
“The guys that I’ve been working with, no matter where I go or what sites, they’re lovely to me and love to see it,” she said.
“Of course, there’s the split second, ‘Is she able to do this?’ and the minute they see that you are, they’re all about you.
“Once you are good at what you do and you’re confident, you’ll have no bother, no matter who you are or what you are in the job, because everyone is really lovely.
“I’m very well supported at this job and people hype me up and are proud of what I do.”