A scheme to provide licensed hauliers with support for their increased energy costs has been approved by the Cabinet, writes Brian Byrne. Under the initiative, the Licensed Haulage Support Scheme 2023 will target higher levels of support at smaller operators that are facing increased operating and fuel costs. A graduated payment basis will see €1,200 each provided for the first five vehicles on a licence, €700 for vehicles six to 20, and €200 for each vehicle thereafter. The scheme will be administered by the Department of Transport and will cover eligible heavy goods vehicles authorised on the licence of a current road haulage operator as of 15 December 2022.