LIMERICK’S ability to meet its current Carbon Tax obligation is “unsustainable”, according to Rural Ireland Independent TD Richard O’Donoghue.
Deputy O’Donoghue claims that consumers in Limerick will pay €40 million in Carbon Taxes this year.
“In 2021, Limerick’s Carbon Tax bill was around €25 million, which was itself up €5 million on the 2020 figure,” he said.
“And according to Finance Minister Paschal Donohue, Limerick’s Carbon tax contribution between 2021 and 2030 will be in the region of €375 million – mind-boggling stuff. There is no possible way this is sustainable for the people of Limerick.”
The County Limerick politician hit out at the Government in the Dáil this week for its imposed Carbon Tax, which is now the leading cause of inflation in Ireland.
“The Taoiseach and his Government are fooling no-one, as we know that Carbon Tax is the key contributor to ever-rising motor fuel and home heating oil costs. All we hear from them is illogical and lofty policies around climate action, that will do nothing to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions but will do everything to push those same energy costs through the roof.
“This is all disproportionately affecting people in rural areas of County Limerick, who have very limited access to public transport and alternative fuel sources.
“The tax take at Limerick pumps is €10 million a month, or put another way €350,000 every day of the year.”
In response from a call by Deputy O’Donoghue for the Government to postpone a planned hike in Carbon Tax, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it must “deal with climate change once and for all”.
Carbon Tax is set to increase by €7.50 in May for home fuels. The increase for petrol and diesel already took effect after October’s budget.
