Fuel rebate for private bus operators is great news for tourism and commuters in Wickow – Harris

Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Simon Harris, has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, of the inclusion of private bus operators in the fuel rebate scheme. Deputy Harris was speaking following the publication of the Finance Bill in the Dáil today.

“I am delighted that bus operators will be included in the fuel rebate scheme, which currently allows hauliers to claim back a percentage of excise on diesel. By expanding the scheme to include private bus operators, it will provide a solid base to increase tourism and make the lives of Wicklow commuters much easier. This is a matter which I have raised on number of times with Minister Noonan, following representations from Wicklow bus companies.

“Wicklow, also known as the garden of Ireland, receives thousands of tourists every year who travel throughout the county on private bus tours. Operators have been under severe pressure to run these tours in spite of the ever increasing price of fuel severely impacting their operating costs.

“Today’s announcement will go a long way towards relieving these fears, as well as offering private operators opportunities to grow their business. This will assist both the tourism industry in our county and the many commuters who depend on such services to go about their daily lives.

“The rising cost of fuel has put severe pressure on private bus operators and today’s announcement will come as a welcome relief. I commend Minister Noonan for his work on this matter.”

ENDS