Rural TDs rally against 'punitive' proposed road pricing scheme

The Rural Independent Group of TDs voiced angry opposition to the proposed 'Road Usage Charge' scheme, denouncing it as an unjust attack on hardworking car owners and rural areas.

The group of TDs, who include Dáil members from Offaly and Tipperary, were reacting to recent media reports regarding the government's plans for new road charges.

Deputy Mattie Mc Grath, leader of the Rural Independents, expressed his dismay: "Over the past three years, this coalition government has relentlessly targeted road transportation powered by petrol and diesel engines. The latest punitive proposal of a new road pricing tax scheme on all national roads comes as no surprise.

“Transport Minister Eamon Ryan seems determined to force people out of their cars, and both Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are allowing him to do so,” he said.

“This unrelenting assault on motorists, transport operators, and all road users with combustion engines shows a blatant disregard for the concerns of ordinary citizens who depend on their vehicles for daily commuting and essential activities. Under this oppressive plan, commuters could face an exorbitant fee of €38 for a single journey from Maynooth to Central Dublin, while an astounding €163 would burden those traveling from Cork to Dublin. This is nothing short of highway robbery.

“It is evident that the government seeks to fill its coffers by exploiting the transition to electric vehicles.
“The foundation of this proposed charge lies in the government's climate action policy platform, which, if implemented, would place an overwhelming burden on hardworking individuals who rely on their cars due to the lack of adequate public transport options in rural areas.

“Moreover, it would severely impact road haulage and transport operators, driving up prices on everything from food to public transport.

“The so-called 'Project Bruce' appears to be a thinly veiled attempt by the government to silence the concerns of rural dwellers while further widening the urban-rural divide.

“Charging motorists, who have already contributed through their taxes to build the national roads network, is an unjust and discriminatory measure that will disproportionately affect those living in remote areas. This is a betrayal of the very citizens who entrusted these politicians to represent their interests.

“The implications of such a scheme are far-reaching and disastrous. If implemented, this ill-conceived scheme would lead to further financial hardships for those already struggling to make ends meet.

“The government should focus on finding solutions to support the transition to electric vehicles without punishing those who have not yet made the switch.

“Rural dwellers, already facing limited access to public transport, should not be penalized for simply living their lives.

“In the interest of fairness and transparency we call on the Taoiseach and the Minister for Transport to unequivocally rule out this outrageous proposal. Instead, the government should concentrate on implementing policies that genuinely benefit the people of Ireland. Rather than burdening citizens, they should explore sustainable ways to improve public transport without inflicting undue hardships on car owners”.