Financial aid for licensed coach and bus operators in Ireland to partially mitigate elevated diesel prices has been extended by the Irish Government, which on 29 April announced details of a Road Transporters Support Scheme (RTSS).
It targets those operators alongside hauliers in recognition of road transport’s “essential role in Ireland’s supply chains, for businesses and in providing essential connectivity across both urban and rural communities,” and will deliver “significant financial support” to partially mitigate high diesel costs, the Department of Transport says.
RTSS will initially apply for March, with further payments for April and May depending on average national diesel prices exceeding €1.90 per litre.
That threshold “reflects the point at which fuel costs become unsustainable for many commercial transport operators,” the Irish Government adds. Applications will be made via an online portal that is due to open in May.
RTSS is tapered and based on the number of vehicles on an operator’s licence. Such an approach means that smaller businesses will receive a proportionately greater level of support.
For up to and including five vehicles per eligible operator, the payment will be €1,350 per vehicle. For vehicles six to 20 per operator, that figure is €790; and for vehicles above 21, it is €300. An operator with 20 vehicles would thus receive €18,600.
Financial assistance via the Road Transporters Support Scheme complements a wider package of measures already introduced in Ireland. That includes a reduction in excise rates and an increased sum allowed under the Diesel Rebate Scheme.
“The overall support provided by government reflects the needs communicated by the sector’s representative bodies over many engagements, and responds to the stated needs of the sector,” the Irish Government adds.
In addition to RTSS supporting commercial passenger transport operators, further backing for businesses delivering Transport for Ireland Local Link services will be available through the National Transport Authority. For home-to-school provision, support will be facilitated by the Department of Education and Youth.
Trade body the Coach Tourism and Transport Council (CTTC) of Ireland has welcomed the Road Transporters Support Scheme and particularly how its graduated nature gives enhanced backing to smaller fleets.
CTTC adds that RTSS “is a vital step in helping services to remain viable” and that when combined with the complementary support measure from other departments, the measures “will help to ensure essential connectivity for communities, workers and students across Ireland.”
The impact of elevated fuel prices on operators in the UK has been repeatedly highlighted since the start of war in Iran, with smaller coach and bus businesses citing four- or five-figure increases to weekly diesel bills and little opportunity to recoup that.
Trade bodies here continue to call on the government to support road transport against that backdrop. RHA Managing Director Richard Smith has underlined the need for help, noting that for some businesses, the rises seen “can be the difference between viability and closure.”
Alongside Ireland, Mr Smith has highlighted multiple other European nations that are offering support packages. RHA wants an essential user rebate to be introduced by the UK government.
“It is time for action from our decision-makers,” the Association chief says. “We are way beyond the review stage. A failure to act [could] be a fatal hammer blow to many businesses that are crucial to the supply chain and the wider economy.”
