Mr. Tourish insisted
that hikes in petrol and diesel prices would almost
certainly lead to an increase in fuel laundering and
black market selling of fuel along the border.
“We have made a significant investment in opening a
new station here and we really can’t afford the kind
of increases we have heard that are being planned.”
Meanwhile the Fine Gael spokesperson on North-South
Co-operation, Deputy Joe McHugh has also warned the
government not to impose duties on petrol, diesel,
and alcohol in the forthcoming April Budget.
“Every business in the Border region has suffered
terribly because of Minister Lenihan’s refusal to
accept advice that he received from me and from
other border Deputies in the course of Budget 2009
debate last winter. His acknowledgement that his
error cost the Irish State €140m per month since
November will not solve the financial headaches of
the people whose livelihoods have sustained severe
body blows because of his actions.”
The Donegal North-East TD said he was now calling on
Minister Lenihan to take action in his April budget
to address the indirect taxation divergence that
exists in the dual-currency province of Ulster.
“Duties must not be increased on border-sensitive
items such as petrol, diesel, and alcohol,” said
Deputy McHugh who added that Minister Lenihan must
abandon his unilateral approach to his departmental
work.
“Before he crafts the April Budget he must sit down
with the British Chancellor and with his Finance
counterpart at Stormont. The Dublin, Stormont, and
London governments must collaborate to ensure that
businesses North and South of the Irish Border are
put on a common footing,” Deputy McHugh concluded. |
