Longford TD says Government will monitor fuel crisis situation and weigh-up more supports

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy said he believes Government needs to be ready to intervene again in relation to the fuel crisis and any measures should be monitored and revisited if necessary.

The Fine Gael representative said he was initially disappointed by the €250 million of Government last month when he believed a 'more significant package' could have been in place.

However, the Ballinalee man was more satisfied with the €505 million in support measures announced last Sunday.

READ NEXT: Longford farmers push for fairer prices and stronger supports

"I would have highlighted that (my disappointment) with Minister Martin Heydon who was engaging with the farm organisations in relation to it.

"We've seen a suite of measures has been put in place at present.

"But, unfortunately, with the volatility of the oil market at present, it's still an extremely significant gap compared to what the price was previously.

"My view would be that we need to monitor the situation and be able to come back if necessary with a further package to support people.

"We did it through the cost of living previously and through Covid and we need to react to protect businesses and protect people.”

READ NEXT: 'Deeply alarming' as chronic staffing shortages exposed in Longford primary care services

Deputy Carrigy said he attended the protest walk from Connolly Barracks on Sunday and he spoke with people and engaged with people to make sure that there was a package put in place”.

He also stated the announcement by the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan that blockades were going to be cleared by the Army was ill-judged and a regrettable decision that understandably riled and annoyed people.