Early Tuam convoy takes part in national protest
Councillors offer support
A CONVOY with hundreds of tractors and trucks left from Tuam early on Tuesday morning to travel to Galway City to take part in the nationwide protest against soaring fuel prices.
The protestors included farmers, contractors, hauliers, businessmen and individuals, all calling for measures like the reduction of excise duty to reduce the cost of fuel.
Since the start of war in Iran, diesel prices in Ireland have shot up by over 60cent/litre in some areas, while prices of home heating oil have increased by almost 50 per cent.
The impacts of these are now being observed not just on transportation but on the prices of items on the supermarket shelves.
More than 200 protestors from Tuam came together at The West Wing Restaurant at 6am on Tuesday.
Three local representatives from the North Galway area including Headford Cllr Andrew Reddington, Ballinasloe Cllr Declan Geraghty and Cllr Peter Keaveney joined the convoy.
“A lot of hauliers and businesspeople are struggling because of the fuel prices, and they risk going out of business if they are not supported,” said Cllr Andrew Reddington.
“Even though I am a Fine Gael councillor, I believe it is important for me to stand with them, because they have stood with me in times of need.
“These businesspeople and farmers often support the community but now they need support themselves,” he added.
Cllr Reddington believes that the issue is important enough for all Galway TDs to work together on.
“Several emergency measures were implemented by the government during Covid pandemic, and they need brought back since this is also an emergency situation for the country,” he stated.
Independent Ireland Cllr Declan Geraghty is the owner of a roofing company himself and has been experiencing the difficulties first hand.
He told The Tuam Herald that the cost of fuel is astronomical and isn't affordable.
“The relief provided until now is not enough and the prices are impacting every individual from a businessman to the consumers,” he explained.
“Even with the current reduction in excise duty, the government has not given anything away because they are still gaining from these costs.”
“These people had asked for dialogue, but they didn’t get it. So, we are here today to show solidarity with the demands that fuel prices need to be reduced as it is hurting everyone,” he concluded.