195. Deputy Edward Timmins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in view of the recent fuel increases, the supports that will be made available for machinery contractors not engaged in agriculture; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45656/26]

The Government is acutely aware of the impact of recent fuel price increases on businesses, including contractors operating outside of agriculture. Rising fuel and energy costs, driven by broader global inflationary pressures and geopolitical developments, are placing significant strain across a range of sectors, with particularly acute impacts in transport-intensive activities.

While supports have traditionally focused on agriculture and other highly energy-intensive sectors, the Government recognises that machinery contractors not directly engaged in agriculture are also exposed to rising diesel and operational costs, particularly where transport, logistics and equipment usage form a core part of their business model.

In response to these challenges, the Government has put in place a range of economy-wide supports to assist businesses in managing energy costs and improving resilience, rather than sector-specific fuel subsidies. These include:

• A suite of SEAI supports, including energy audits, training, and grant schemes such as the Business Energy Upgrade Scheme and Non-Domestic Microgeneration Grant, which help firms reduce energy demand and costs

• The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, providing long-term, low-cost finance to SMEs and small mid-caps, with loans of up to €3 million, including unsecured lending of up to €500,000

• Environmental Aid funding, with €300 million allocated to support decarbonisation and energy efficiency improvements in enterprise, enhancing long-term competitiveness

In addition, the Government continues to address cost pressures more broadly through the Action Plan on Competitiveness and Productivity, which includes measures aimed at reducing costs, improving regulatory efficiency, and strengthening infrastructure.

The Cost of Business Advisory Forum has also been examining cost pressures across sectors, including energy, insurance, and financial services, with a report due to be presented to Government shortly. This will include practical recommendations to further support businesses in managing operating costs.

More fundamentally, the Government’s approach recognises that reducing exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices is critical. Significant investment is underway in renewable energy, electricity grid infrastructure, and energy efficiency to support a transition towards greater energy independence and price stability over time.

In conclusion, while there are no specific fuel supports targeted solely at machinery contractors outside agriculture, a range of supports are available to assist with cost management, access to finance, and energy efficiency, alongside broader structural measures aimed at improving competitiveness and resilience across all sectors of the economy.