High Government taxes on diesel are killing the Irish coach tourism industry, it has been claimed.
The Coach Tourism and Transport Council said yesterday its members have warned more jobs will be lost if fuel prices are not reduced.
Council chief executive Gerry Mullins said half of what is paid at pumps for diesel goes to the Government in taxes. “High taxes are causing job losses in tourism,” he said. “Raking in money on fuel taxes is a false saving because the Government will have to cover the cost of jobs lost from the tourism industry.” The council claimed when diesel costs about €1.54 a litre the coach company will spend some 50 per cent on taxes including excise duty, carbon tax, VAT and on the national oil reserves levy.