BLOCKADES officially came to an end at Foynes Port and across the country yesterday but all eyes are now on the government who will vote tomorrow on a package of measures to help people with the rising cost of fuel.
The protest which saw people onsite at Foynes Port since Tuesday ended at 1 pm yesterday afternoon.
The new package of measures by the government has now been agreed to support the transport, farming and fisheries sectors.
The size of the package announced is around €505 million – and it comes on top of €250 million worth of measures announced almost three weeks ago.
This includes reducing excise on diesel by 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction to 32 cent. It will reduce the excise on petrol by a further 10 cent, and 27 cent in total. Marked gas oil will also see a reduction of 2.4 cent.
As part of ongoing engagement with the European Commission, the Government will reduce excise on diesel by a further 10 cent (VAT inclusive), bringing the total reduction on diesel to 32 cent (VAT inclusive).
The Transport Support Schemes will be enhanced for all haulage operators, which will include local link and school transport providers and some commercial operators.
A fuel subsidy support scheme will be introduced for farming and fisheries.
The planned increase in carbon tax, scheduled for May 1 will be deferred until Budget 2027 in October.
These reductions will be in effect from midnight on Tuesday, April 14 until July 31.
Meanwhile, Sinn Féin have tabled a vote of no confidence in Taoiseach Michael Martin over its ongoing handling of the fuel crisis.