Irish fuel protests causing ‘serious concern’ for emergency services

Hauliers and agricultural contractors began protests at various sites around the country on Tuesday by implementing slow-moving convoys on motorways, restricting access to Dublin’s busiest streets and blockading fuel depots that supply half the country. Participants, many of whom have slept overnight in their vehicles as the demonstration entered a third day on Thursday, say they will continue their action until they receive engagement from Government or are physically removed. The latter option has become more of a possibility after Irish police formally requested the assistance of the Defence Forces in responding to what Ireland’s premier called an “act of national sabotage”. The widespread disruption arose out of separate but co-ordinated protests around Ireland’s major cities over demands for further cuts to fuel costs, which have soared as a result of the war in the Middle East and the impact on supplies passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Just over two weeks ago, Ireland’s ruling coalition signed off on a range of measures to reduce fuel costs, including a temporary excise duty reduction for motor fuels, expansion of the diesel rebate scheme for hauliers and bus operators, and an extension of the fuel allowance. It saw an effective reduction of 17 cent for petrol, 22 cent for diesel, and five cent for marked gas oil (green diesel) – but the savings were largely eroded as the war waged on. Protesters have restricted access to a major oil refinery in Whitegate, Co Cork, as well as fuel depots in Galway City and Foynes, Co Limerick. Other action saw major disruption to traffic around Dublin city as well as a complete blockage of key routes in the capital, including O’Connell Street.