Waterford hauliers to benefit from €4,000 drop in commercial motor tax – Minister Coffey

Fine Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that changes to commercial motor tax will make a major difference for road hauliers in Waterford.

Budget 2016 announced that the number of rates of commercial motor tax will be reduced from 20 to 5 and will now range in cost from €90 to €900 per year, down from a maximum cost of €5,195. These changes have now come into effect and will save many hauliers over €4,000 per year. This is an interim measure pending the replacement of the current commercial motor tax regime with a fairer basis for calculating commercial motor tax.

“Having worked closely with hauliers and Minister Noonan on this matter, I am delighted to see this extremely positive measure come into being. It will make a big difference to hauliers who have endured a tough time since the recession.

“Transportation costs are a major issue for every business in Ireland.  These reductions will be a big boost for SME’s around Waterford and will reduce the cost of doing business.

“With the economy recovering and the introduction of this measure, I believe that hauliers can look forward to a brighter future. Fine Gael has a plan to keep the recovery going and a key part of this plan is to support businesses who are operating in Ireland and creating jobs.

“This change is extremely important for Irish hauliers,. These measures will lower the costs of goods and services, and will provide a significant boost to the local economy.

“The top priority this year is to keep the recovery going in all parts of the country, while providing relief and better services. Many businesses rely on transport to provide a service and I am confident that changes to commercial motor tax will be very much welcomed.”

—Ends—