Fuel rebate to cover private coach operators

“The expansion of the fuel rebate scheme for private coach operators will benefit the local economy’, according to Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal Alan Farrell, following the announcement that the original rebate for haulage companies granted by Fine Gael Minister for Finance Michael Noonan T.D. will now be available for private coach companies.

“There are clear wide ranging benefits to granting a fuel rebate for coach operators, both on a national and local level which I expressed to Minister Noonan since his original announcement.

“Fuel prices have been driving up the cost of doing business for this sector in recent years and this is something that we in Fine Gael have been very mindful of.   This rebate will mean a reduction in operational costs for local operators such as Malahide Coaches and Swords Express, and will provide a vital boost to this sector as well as benefitting local tourism and thus increasing spending capacity in the area.

“This positive impact will be mirrored throughout the country as we continue to host The Gathering and will allow operators to offer value for money and better services at a time when we are looking to attract record numbers to our country.

“I commend the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan TD, for having the vision to include this concession in the Finance Bill and Minister for Transport, Leo Varadkar TD, who has been an advocate of this for some time.

“In conjunction with other pro-tourism measures, such as the reduced VAT rate of 9% for tourism services and the launch of The Gathering, the fuel rebate will help bring more visitors to Ireland in 2013. This can only lead to increased spending in our economy and increased job creation.