Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I echo the calls for the continuation of the waiver of development fees. It was a hugely successful scheme and it is really important that we continue it. I hope that sense will prevail and that those very worthwhile waivers will be continued.

I also want to raise an issue that is very important for Border counties, particularly Louth.It is about the increase in excise duties on fuel that will happen from 1 April. I am disappointed the Government is refusing to look at this. In particular, I want to highlight the fact that the UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, has announced the UK will not increase its excise duty because of the cost of living and many other reasons. It is postponing its increase and I hope we can also postpone our increase. There will be trade displacement, particularly along the Border region, where drivers will cross the Border to avail of cheaper fuel. The forecourts in County Louth will have a great reduction in demand. The fuel prices will be different. There will be an overall loss to the Irish Exchequer. I urge the Department of Finance to look at this, see what we can do and ensure there is a similar policy in both jurisdictions.