Menu
02/09/2022
Treasury Urged To Reverse Removal Of Red Diesel Rebate
The DUP has called on the Treasury to reverse their decision to remove the rebate from red diesel and some biofuels for a range of uses.
Earlier this year, despite a campaign in Westminster by local industry leaders alongside Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart, the Treasury pressed ahead with the cost-increasing move.
Commenting, Carla Lockhart said: "From the 1st April 2022, the entitlement to use rebated red diesel or rebated biofuels was removed from most sectors, including construction. This was despite the huge increases in costs already being faced across the construction industry, but also in other manufacturing sectors that could use red diesel.
"There can be no doubt that this move has increased costs further. This increase is being passed on to the customer, making all forms of construction more expensive. New housing is more expensive. The cost of investment in public infrastructure such as hospitals, social housing, schools, and roads is now higher.
"Added to this cost increase we now have HMRC advising companies that a 25% tariff is being added to steel imports coming from GB into Northern Ireland as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
"Whilst I have asked the Chancellor to set this tariff aside, if it proceeds it is going to put further pressure on local construction firms and those in manufacturing. From my ongoing engagement with the sector, the message is clear - their costs have rocketed to the point where some are saying clients are baulking at quotes, and simply refusing to take forward investment.
"This is disastrous for our local economy and for local employment. Inflationary pressures are putting huge pressures on employers and reducing the spending power of people across the country. The Treasury has the ability to lift some of this pressure, and I would urge them to reverse their decision to remove the rebate on red diesel and some biofuels."
Earlier this year, despite a campaign in Westminster by local industry leaders alongside Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart, the Treasury pressed ahead with the cost-increasing move.
Commenting, Carla Lockhart said: "From the 1st April 2022, the entitlement to use rebated red diesel or rebated biofuels was removed from most sectors, including construction. This was despite the huge increases in costs already being faced across the construction industry, but also in other manufacturing sectors that could use red diesel.
"There can be no doubt that this move has increased costs further. This increase is being passed on to the customer, making all forms of construction more expensive. New housing is more expensive. The cost of investment in public infrastructure such as hospitals, social housing, schools, and roads is now higher.
"Added to this cost increase we now have HMRC advising companies that a 25% tariff is being added to steel imports coming from GB into Northern Ireland as a result of the Northern Ireland Protocol.
"Whilst I have asked the Chancellor to set this tariff aside, if it proceeds it is going to put further pressure on local construction firms and those in manufacturing. From my ongoing engagement with the sector, the message is clear - their costs have rocketed to the point where some are saying clients are baulking at quotes, and simply refusing to take forward investment.
"This is disastrous for our local economy and for local employment. Inflationary pressures are putting huge pressures on employers and reducing the spending power of people across the country. The Treasury has the ability to lift some of this pressure, and I would urge them to reverse their decision to remove the rebate on red diesel and some biofuels."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 January 2022
DUP Raises Concerns Over 'Crippling Impact' Of Proposed End Of Red Diesel Rebate
The DUP have met with industry leaders impacted by the Government's proposal to end the red diesel rebate. Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart heard first-hand the "crippling impact" these changes would have upon the economy and how they would serve to drive up the cost of living.
DUP Raises Concerns Over 'Crippling Impact' Of Proposed End Of Red Diesel Rebate
The DUP have met with industry leaders impacted by the Government's proposal to end the red diesel rebate. Party Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart heard first-hand the "crippling impact" these changes would have upon the economy and how they would serve to drive up the cost of living.
03 October 2014
Red Squirrels Released Into Wild
Four red squirrels born at Belfast Zoo have been released into the wild at Glenarm estate in County Antrim. Zoo curator and chairperson of the Belfast Zoo native species group, Alyn Cairns, explained: "Here at the zoo, we care for and conserve a variety of endangered species from across the world.
Red Squirrels Released Into Wild
Four red squirrels born at Belfast Zoo have been released into the wild at Glenarm estate in County Antrim. Zoo curator and chairperson of the Belfast Zoo native species group, Alyn Cairns, explained: "Here at the zoo, we care for and conserve a variety of endangered species from across the world.
20 January 2022
DUP Urges Govt To Postpone Red Diesel Rebate Proposal
The DUP has called on the Treasury to postpone a proposal to end the red diesel rebate for use in the construction industry. Making the call, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart urged the Government to instead adopt a transitional period to allow the development of alternative fuel sources capable of powering machinery and processes within the sector.
DUP Urges Govt To Postpone Red Diesel Rebate Proposal
The DUP has called on the Treasury to postpone a proposal to end the red diesel rebate for use in the construction industry. Making the call, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart urged the Government to instead adopt a transitional period to allow the development of alternative fuel sources capable of powering machinery and processes within the sector.
09 March 2022
SF Urges British Govt To Delay Removal Of Fuel Rebates
Sinn Féin has called on the British government to delay their attempts to remove red diesel rebates.
SF Urges British Govt To Delay Removal Of Fuel Rebates
Sinn Féin has called on the British government to delay their attempts to remove red diesel rebates.
04 April 2011
Red Squirrel Faces New Threat
Northern Ireland's already dwindling red squirrel population was dealt another blow with the recent discovery of a fatal squirrel disease. The infected red squirrels were first spotted by members of the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group. This marks the first recorded instance of a red squirrel dying from this disease.
Red Squirrel Faces New Threat
Northern Ireland's already dwindling red squirrel population was dealt another blow with the recent discovery of a fatal squirrel disease. The infected red squirrels were first spotted by members of the Tollymore Red Squirrel Group. This marks the first recorded instance of a red squirrel dying from this disease.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
