Pa Daly
Ceist:213. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if the road transport support scheme will be extended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50353/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 July 2026
Ceisteanna (213)
Freagraí scríofa
The Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS) opened at noon on 20 May 2026 and closed at noon on 12 June 2026. As indicated at the time of the Scheme's launch, support will be offered to successful applicants in respect of March 2026. I can confirm that further payments will be offered in respect of April and May as the average national diesel price, as measured by the CSO, exceeded €1.90 per litre for those months. The €1.90 per litre threshold reflects the point at which fuel costs become unsustainable for many commercial transport operators. Successful applicants will receive one single payment to include the three months of the Scheme.
The average national diesel price has stabilised significantly in recent weeks and is now at its lowest since the outbreak of the conflict in Iran. In light of this, the RTSS will not be extended. However, officials in my Department will continue to monitor the evolution of fuel prices.
Approximately 4,400 applications were submitted to the Department by licenced hauliers, licenced passenger operators, and the own account sector. This is a significant increase on the number of applications for the Licenced Haulier Emergency Support Scheme and Licenced Haulier Support Scheme, which received approximately 3,000 and 2,800 applications respectively.
The applications are now being assessed against the Scheme eligibility criteria to ensure that payments are only made to eligible businesses in respect of eligible vehicles. This will be finalised as quickly as possible and payments made to successful applicants in the coming weeks. My Department will be establishing an appeals process for applicants and will be giving consideration to allow those who missed the application deadline to make an appeal for a late application, if substantive evidence of why they could not apply is provided.