Jackie Healy-Rae has called on the Government to do more to help with the cost of living crisis.
He was speaking after picking up a young college student who he says was thumbing a lift to his hotel job in Killarney because he couldn’t afford to put fuel in his car.
The cost of petrol and diesel is at record levels in Ireland and there are fears it could go even higher due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Independent Kerry County Councillor has warned that the ever-increasing prices at the pumps for petrol and diesel are driving young people off the road.
“Only yesterday I picked up a 19-year-old college student thumbing to Killarney, working in a hotel to supplement his college and has given up driving his car because the cost of fuel is just too much for him.
“Fuel has increased since February 1, 2022 by up to 40 cent per litre, which has had a huge effect on everyone but the most vulnerable on this scale includes new and younger drivers. Many of whom are now leaving the car parked up because they simply can’t afford to put fuel in.”
READ MORE: €200 energy rebate: Exact date payment will be made, who will receive it and how to apply
READ MORE: Sneaky petrol station hack guaranteed to save you cash and more money-saving tips as fuel costs soar
The Castleisland LEA representative said he welcomed the news that the government are considering cutting excise on fuel, adding that any cut will need to be reflected at the forecourts.
“At a time when we need a discussion on the minimum wage for young workers, the Government need to act on a cut to excise duties especially during a time with the pressures coming on fuel due to the war in Ukraine,” he continued.
Posing about the dire incident on Twitter, other users replied with how the crisis is impacting them.
One person said: “Yep, am also struggling now, I drive a 1.2 petrol, rent in a rural area where nearest station is 15 min drive, one bus a day which is useless as himself works nights in a workplace 14 miles out from home, it's nearly too expensive now to even drive him to work!”
Another said: “Affecting country people most who rely on the car as public transport network isn’t there.”
A third warned: “There'll be lots more.”
