An increase in carbon tax in tomorrow’s budget could have a disproportionate impact on rural Ireland.
That’s the view of Sligo Leitrim TD Marc MacSharry, who has raised concerns over the potential hike.
An increase by Finance Minister Paschal Donohue would push up the cost of petrol, diesel, heating oil and other fuels.
Deputy MacSharry says people in the capital would be able to avoid the tax, but it’s a different story for those living in rural areas.
In a further blow to consumers Deputy MacSharry also claims the government are also breaching laws when it comes to Oil reserves.
The Country has a legal obligation to hold a national reserve of 100 days – motorists and home owners are paying 2 cent per litre on petrol diesel and home heating oil to fund this reserve.
Through his work on the PAC Deputy MacSharry has established that the cost consumers are paying is too high
He says funds raised should not exceed the running cost of the agency.
