More than 40 categories of emergency and essential workers will be given access to a network of service stations across the country in the event of a severe shortage requiring fuel rationing, under the latest Government plan.
The plans are considered to be the “worst-case scenario” and would come into effect in the event of severe oil supply disruption as Europe remains on edge about a shutdown of energy following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Under the government plan, according to today’s Irish Times, if there is severe disruption, some 130 “designated critical service stations” would remain open to provide fuel only to essential workers.
Essential workers would be able to get fuel not only for their official vehicles but also for other vehicles needed to get to and from work, a source said.
Sources have said technical checks are now under way on pumps to determine if a limit on sales to non-essential workers of 15 to 20 litres could also be put in place, with suggestions that gardaí or soldiers will also have to man the petrol stations in the event of disputes.
There are four tiers to which bulk fuels will be rationed, the first being these designated critical stations.
An updated list of workers who can use these include: Gardaí; the Defence Forces; fire services; the National Ambulance Service; the Irish Prison Service; Civil Defence; the Irish Coast Guard; the Order of Malta; St John’s Ambulance Service; the Irish Red Cross; the RNLI and any other organisation deemed appropriate by Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan.
Others deemed to be essential workers include those in port facilities and shipping; commercial aviation; public transport; haulage services; healthcare workers; teachers and childminders; postal services; food production; journalists; financial services; agriculture (including the movement of livestock) and funeral services, among others.
The list runs to more than 40 organisations or professions.
Read the full report on www.irishtimes.com
