Protester negotiators to attend large Government meeting tomorrow as fuel protests continue

Main Points

• Nationwide fuel price protests will continue on Friday organisers have said
• Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the actions of the demonstrators ‘is not normal protesting’ and ‘there are better ways and other ways to do it’
• Around 40 forecourts in Munster have closed pumps due to a low supply of fuel while the majority of service stations in Kilkenny city have now run-out
• Delays have been reported elsewhere on the M50, M18, M9, M8, M7/N7, M4/N4, M3/N3 and several other routes. See full list of closures
• Fuel protesters’ blockade of Ireland’s only oil refinery to stay ‘until diesel capped’

Best Reads

• Price of home-heating oil hits its highest level since 1996 amid Iran war
• How do gardaí weigh the right to protest with the rights of those affected?
• Where are the fuel protests and which roads are closed in Dublin and across Ireland?

Concerns tanker may not be able to off-load fuel at Galway Port

A tanker called the Thun Gemini carrying fuel is en route to Galway Port from Antwerp and is expected to dock tomorrow morning.

Open-source tracking data showed the vessel off the coast of Kerry on Thursday night.

There are understood to be concerns that it will be unable to off-load the fuel into tanks located at the port because the tanks are currently full due to the blockade as trucks have not been able to enter and empty the tanks to transport it elsewhere.

Protester negotiators to attend large Government meeting tomorrow

One of the fuel protest organisers, James Geoghegan, has told RTÉ’s Prime Time that protest negotiators will join a large meeting at Government Buildings tomorrow at 2pm or 2.30pm after receiving a phone call this evening.

Geoghegan called it a “breakthrough.”

He said other groups such as the IRHA and the IFA will also be in attendance along with Ministers. He described it as a “quite large group meeting.”

He also they had “pulled in the protests off O’Connell Bridge and released kerosene oil from the refineries” this evening.

“The word has gone down to lift the blockades off kerosene.”

Despite this, he said there will still be disruptions tomorrow morning because “we have a list of demands going into the Government tomorrow...very reasonable demands,” he said.

Recent photographs of the N7 southbound at Johnstown in Co Kildare this evening where traffic is at a standstill

Some home carers cannot attend clients due to lack of fuel

“We have been receiving a high number of reports that home carers all over the country, and particularly in the south and west, are struggling to secure fuel supplies due to the ongoing protests,” said Joseph Musgrave, Chief Executive of Home & Community Care Ireland (HCCI).

“Some carers have already reported they cannot attend their clients due to the lack of fuel to provide essential care,” he added.

He said HCCI have contacted the Minister of State for Older People, Kieran O’Donnell, requesting an urgent meeting tomorrow “to find solutions and ensure a steady, secure supply of fuel for carers.”

“Many home carers have no alternative to travelling by car to their clients’ homes. The Government must ensure the essential and uninterrupted care of the elderly and the vulnerable throughout this crisis,” said Musgrave.

Disruptions still in place on Green Luas line

The Green Luas line services have not resumed operating between St. Stephen’s Green and Dominick.

Services are operating between Broombridge and Dominick and between St. Stephen’s Green and Brides Glen only due to a protest at O’Connell Bridge.

The Red Luas line is operating as normal.

Fianna Fáil TD calls for Government to cap fuel prices

In a post on X, Seán Fleming, a Fianna Fáil TD for Laois called on the Government to cap fuel prices.

“Since prices went up at the pumps, the Government is getting more money from taxes and I believe it’s important to keep costs down at this stage for the entire economy.”

He added “this will help keep inflation down as the costs go up. People will want wage increases to match the new inflation rate that can rise when you keep pushing up costs and it will be much cheaper for the government in the long term and add stability to the economy by keeping costs down, inflation down.”

He said he is asking the Government to that “right away.”

Fleming told the Leinster Express in Co Laois that he held this position prior to the protest beginning.

He said he believed that the cost of a cap could be funded by the increase in taxes that it was taking due to the rising prices. He said the tax take had increased beyond what was expected in the Budget for 2026.

“I would say the Government is getting a windfall tax, which I would say should be used to keep the prices down and inflation down and thereby keep demands for increased wages down also,” he told the outlet.

Full road closure on M50 at junction six northbound

TII, in a post on X, has said there is a full road closure on the M50 motorway at junction six northbound.

The post tells drivers to expect delays.

Fourth day of protests confirmed

The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest have confirmed that the protest will continue tomorrow, Friday, April 10th.

In a post on Facebook, the organising group said, “This is now the fourth date of protest and it will continue until the Government listen to the people of Ireland.”

“The Government really need to engage with us to stop this.”

“Remember we did not cause this and it is only going to get bigger and bigger every week if it comes to it,” the post added.

Minister for Justice and Defence meet with Gardaí and Defence Forces

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan and Minister for Defence Helen McEntee met this evening with the Deputy Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces to receive an update on the response to ongoing protests affecting the country’s critical infrastructure.

Both Ministers were briefed on the measures in place to address disruption and to ensure the continued flow of essential supplies nationwide, a statement said.

An Garda Síochána is leading the operational response.

The Defence Forces remain on standby to provide assistance in support of the civil authorities.

The Ministers will continue to receive regular updates as the situation evolves, it said.

Gardaí appeal to those behind blockades to ‘think of their fellow citizens’

Acting Deputy Garda Commissioner Paul Cleary, in a post on X said, “We have a proven track record in facilitating peaceful protests...In fact, last year, we’d over 1,400 peaceful protests that we policed.

“However, what we are seeing here is moving into a different phase and is having a direct impact on national critical infrastructure,” he said.

“We’re seeing farmers being impacted with being able to acquire animal feed. We’re seeing chemicals for treatment of water, or seeing people unable to get to their jobs, to work, or seeing sick people with hospital appointments unable to travel.

Cleary said, “we will always up hold that right to peaceful protests. We have a duty of care to all citizens in this country.”

He appealed to those behind these blockades to “think of their fellow citizens in this regard and engage fully with us.”

“We have to have access to national critical infrastructure and any moves we make today will be reviewed to protect in that,” he said.

What has happened so far today?

It is day three of the nationwide fuel protests. There has been widespread disruption on the country’s main roads and motorways.

The M50 in Dublin was blocked northbound forcing some road users to leave vehicles and begin walking along the side of the motorway towards Dublin Airport.

The Defence Forces confirmed its assistance has been requested from An Garda Síochána in the form of heavy vehicle recovery.

Some petrol stations have run out of fuel or have begun limiting the amounts motorists can purchase in a transaction.

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said the activities of some protesters is “crossing into criminal behaviour”, while Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said the actions of the demonstrators are “hurting ordinary people”.

Protesters are continuing their blockades of the only oil refinery on the island of Ireland at Whitegate, Co Cork and of O’Connell Street in Dublin city centre.

Protesters at Cork oil refinery ‘committed to maintaining a peaceful protest’

Fuel protesters blocking the entrance to the country’s only oil refinery say that in the event of the army arriving and asking them to remove their lorries, they will remain peaceful and will mount a rolling protest on the public roadway, reports Southern Correspondent, Barry Roche from Whitegate, Co Cork.

Building contractor Paul O’Riordan from Mourneabbey in North Cork said that those protesting had no desire to get involved in any confrontation with either the army or members of An Garda Síochána and would remain peaceful in all interactions with them.

“We’re committed to maintaining a peaceful protest – we’re not stopping anyone doing their job and if they feel want to move vehicles, then we will let them – I don’t want to get arrested, there’s nobody here wants to get arrested or cause any harm to anybody, there’s no need for that.

“So we agreed if they want people to leave, we will take our lorries and leave and mount a rolling protest up to Midleton roundabout – that’s what we will do and we are going to remain peaceful if the army come in here to move us on,” he said.

The atmosphere remains relaxed in Whitegate with around 60-70 protesters gathered in small groups around where they have a couple of lorries and a bus blocking the access road to the Irving Oil refinery with most protesters chatting or checking their phones for any update.

Gardaí are present but are maintaining a discrete presence inside the blockade, and some can be seen chatting to the protesters.

One garda source said their intention is simply to remain engaged with the protesters and avoid any action that might lead to an escalation.

“These are very decent people who have a grievance over fuel prices and we’re not intent on doing anything at this stage that might inflame the situation and hopefully the Government can come up with a solution to resolve the problem sooner rather than later,” said a garda source.

The area remains open to local residents and many motorists are driving by unimpeded and honking their horns and giving thumb up in support to those maintaining the blockade with no fuel tankers turning up and being turned away since the early hours of the morning.

Some ‘critical deliveries’ have departed Foynes Port, says Gardaí

In a post on X, Gardaí confirm that some critical deliveries have departed from Foynes Port in Co Limerick this afternoon.

It also said, “In line with our tradition of policing by consent, An Garda Síochána has been operating on the basis of the 4Es – Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce.”

‘We are at the point of breaking,’ says protester in Cork

The Taoiseach was approached by a lone protester as he made his way into Coláiste Íosagáin in Baile Bhuirne, Co Cork this afternoon, reports Olivia Kelleher.

Gerard Murphy, who was dressed in a high vis vest, asked Micheál Martin what he was going to do about the price of diesel while accusing him of “walking away from the Irish people.” Martin did not respond.

Murphy from Bandon, Co Cork told members of the media that he had not slept in three days.

“I’m a contractor, a farmer and a truck driver, we’re involved in everything, and all our businesses are on their knees.

“Fuel bills are gone crazy, the fuel bills have gone over double now, they’re not bringing them down, they’re not bringing down the customs, they’re not bringing down the fecking carbon tax.

“Eamon Ryan introduced it, can’t this crowd reverse it? Micheál Martin has done absolutely nothing for the people on Irish roads. I’m on about the people now, whatever about the contractors.

“I don’t want to be here today. I have fields to plough, I have cows to feed.

“We’re at wit’s end, you can hear it in my voice, we are at the point of breaking.”

‘That is not normal protesting ... there are better ways and other ways to do it, says Taoiseach

Taoiseach Micheál Martin, stressed that he was keenly aware of the pressures on the public at this juncture, reports Olivia Kelleher.

“In the first instance throughout my life as a politician I have responded to people under pressure every day. I ring them. They might email me. They might contact me. They might contact other TD’s and councillors and so on and we respond in the normal course of our duties.

“We always try to alleviate pressures. But blocking people is not the way to do it. Preventing mobility. Every citizen is entitled to move about freely in our country,” said Martin.

“What has happened over the last number of days is that that essential freedom to move has been hindered. Has been denied to many, many people.

“We have had countless anecdotes now of people out there who are under a lot of pressure because they cannot make medical appointments. Sick people.

“People who have been delayed going to work. We have had companies contact us saying that they are in trouble in terms of importing raw materials. This morning I was contacted by Co Ops in west Cork saying they had run out of pig feed because of the blockade in Ringaskiddy. That is not normal protesting. It is not satisfactory. There are better ways and other ways to do it,” said Martin.

He said at the moment they “don’t know literally who is who” when to comes to protesters.

“This morning I heard one spokesperson on O’Connell Street in Dublin on RTÉ saying that he was not responsible for those in Whitegate. So there is no capacity to engage with twenty different groupings of different individuals in the absence of any coherent grouping per organisation in terms of dialogue and so forth.

“That is an obvious issue that has arisen. There are organisations there that people can argue their points through, put their proposals through. Okay they might not like some of the national organisations, but it is not beyond their capacity to engage with those organisations

“We are a democracy. We continue to discuss. And in many ways we are ultimately legislators. We are democrats. We work with properly constituted organisations in terms of debate and engagement.”

Martin said that roads were blocked “before anyone sought any negotiation or discussions.” He described deploying the Defence Forces on the ground as “an operational matter between An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces.” He declined to comment on any specifics in relation to their use on the ground.

Disruptions are causing people to miss scheduled medical appointments, says HSE

The HSE briefed the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG), which convened today, that transport disruption is causing people to miss scheduled medical appointments and is impacting the provision of homecare and critical care, such as dialysis and cancer treatment to some service users.

The HSE also warned that the blockades have the potential to disrupt the time-sensitive delivery of key medicines and medical devices, given that frequent and reliable transport is critical to their supply, it said.

Taoiseach says protesters are ‘hurting ordinary people out there’

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described as “extraordinary” a situation where fuel supplies in this country “have been temporarily denied and endangered” by the actions of protesters rather than as a direct consequence of the war in the Middle East, reports Olivia Kelleher.

Speaking at the opening of the redeveloped Coláiste Íosagáin in Baile Mhuirne, Co Cork this afternoon, the Taoiseach stated that the situation “made no sense.” He warned that the protesters were “damaging the Irish people and the Irish economy.”

Martin said that his fundamental message was that “protesters stop the blockades of ports and of roads.”

“We have no issue with protest. People are entitled to protest, but this has gone beyond legitimate protest, when we stop blocking access to ports and to oil refineries and so on like that.

The people are saying to us – who are not protesting – they want this resolved, they want the protests to stop and the Government is going to do everything we can to protect people and to protect their rights.

That’s my message, we’re going to so everything we can to keep the economy going, which has been our main mission during this crisis, and to protect them and protect their rights.”

The Taoiseach urged those involved in the blockade of the ports, fuel depots and the Refinery to “pull back.”

“Stop and cease the blockade and use channels that are available in any normal parliamentary democracy to argue their point and put forward their views.”

“That is my simple message. We engage on a continuous basis with many organisations in respect of many issues particularly the impact of the war in the Middle East on fuel prices.”

“Prior to the €250 million package we announced two weeks ago we had meetings with a range of organisations in haulage, coaches and buses and agriculture. We had meetings again yesterday with the Irish Road Haulage Association.”

“There will be a series of meetings tomorrow ... in respect of the agri-food production area with contractors, farmers and so on. We believe in engagement, we believe in dialogue. There ae avenues and pathways to resolve this, at least to engage on this in a sensible way. I cannot for the life of me understand why the ordinary people of the country would be denied access to fuel?”

“Why blockade Foynes and prevent vital material that is central to the purification of water and public health and the public water supply?

“These kind of blockades just should not happen.”

Martin insisted that protesters were “hurting ordinary people out there.”

“People should be allowed to get on with their lives. Certainly, we understand fully the pressures that people are under because of what has happened in the Middle East and the consequential increase in fuel prices across the world and in Ireland.”

“We have brought about one of the more generous packages across Europe but we said at the outset we are keeping that under review.”

“We are continuing to engage with people.”

NECG convened to assess the impacts of ongoing blockades

The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) was convened today to assess the impacts of the ongoing blockades on the transport network and the effects on the provision of vital services.

“The group was briefed that the blockades are continuing to cause significant disruption for the public, to supply chains and vital services, including emergency services and public transport,” it said in a statement.

The NECG said Ireland’s fuel supplies overall remain “robust and resilient. The current situation is solely a distribution issue that can be alleviated by ending blockades and restoring access for delivery vehicles.”

Road access to a number of ports continues to be constricted, which is affecting the distribution of fuel to service stations in some parts of the country, it said.

A number of emergency services operate on the basis of fuel cards and obtain their fuel from forecourts. There is now serious concern regarding access to fuel for emergency service vehicles and this may have consequent impacts on the availability of some services should the disruption continue, it added.

“A NECG subgroup has been established to focus on the specific impacts on the emergency services fleet and to consider possible contingencies.”

The public are advised to plan their journey before travelling and allow extra travel time. The National Transport Authority has established a dedicated web page for information on service disruptions. The public can also check traffic.tii.ie for general traffic alerts. Those using public transport should check with their operators in case of diversions or disruption, the statement said.

The NECG said it will meet on an ongoing basis to continue to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates to Government.

Most service stations in Kilkenny city have run out of fuel

Around 40 forecourts in Munster have closed pumps due to a low supply of fuel while the majority of service stations in Kilkenny city have now run-out, reports Sarah Slater.

Carlow-Kilkenny Fianna Fáil TD Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere has said that the Government should realise that “rural Ireland must not be left behind”.

Cleere said in an online statement that fuel prices are putting “real pressure” on families and farmers across rural Ireland and he knows how” difficult” this is for many people right now.

“For those living in rural communities, there is no alternative to driving it’s essential for work, school runs and everyday life,” he highlighted

“Rising diesel and petrol costs are hitting hardest where there are the fewest options, and farmers in particular are facing significant challenges with the cost of green diesel.

“Farmers are the backbone of our rural economy and the custodian of our land and they need continued support.”

He said that he welcomed the steps the Government has taken to date, including the €250 million package of supports and remarks by the Taoiseach Micheál Martin regarding ongoing dialogue and planned engagement with the haulage and agri-sector.

“I’ve raised these concerns on behalf of the people of Carlow/Kilkenny directly with the Taoiseach and Minister Darragh O’Brien and will continue working to ensure rural communities and farmers are supported”.

Dublin Airport advises allowing extra time in getting there

Dublin Airport, in a post on X, advised passengers travelling to and from the airport to allow extra time for their journey due to protest activity causing disruptions on roads approaching the airport including the M1 and M50 motorways.

People were photographed walking with suitcases along the M50 due to the disruptions.

Minister for Justice asks those involved to ‘cease their protests’, warns of legal consequences

Fuel protesters are being “manipulated” online by English far-right figure Tommy Robinson, the Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has said, while urging protesters to “cop on” and stand down their blockades, reports Political Editor Pat Leahy.

“I would ask people involved to cease their protests,” O’Callaghan told journalists at the Department of Justice in Dublin this afternoon.

“They have made their point, Government has heard the point that they’ve made, but it’s now clearly the case that considerable damage has been inflicted to Irish people and to the Irish economy.”

“When you look online at present, you can see that many outside actors are seeking to manipulate these people for their own purposes. I see Tommy Robinson in the UK, referring to and relying upon these protests to advance his own political measures. So, I think we need to recognise that people are being manipulated here, and we need to bring an end to these protests.”

O’Callaghan warned of legal consequences for the protesters.

“Well, there, of course, are going to be legal consequences. They mightn’t arise today or tomorrow, but people have licenses to drive vehicles. Those licenses will be affected. In terms of insurance, any insurance coverage, I suspect, will be void as a result of the owner of the equipment deciding to voluntarily get involved in such illegal activity. So there will be legal consequences down the road.”

Asked what instructions had been given to the gardaí and the Defence Forces, O’Callaghan said that he did not issue operational instructions to the gardaí but that the objectives were “I want the law upheld.”

“That’s my primary objective. I want the law upheld, and I want critical pieces of infrastructure and fuel depots to be accessible. That’s my priority, so that the people of Ireland can have the benefit of those absolutely essential resources.”

‘Blockading fuel terminals and refineries is a serious misjudgement,’ says Fuels for Ireland chief

Fuels for Ireland is aware that some forecourts are now running out of stock as a direct result of the blockades at fuel terminals in Foynes and Galway and at the refinery in Whitegate, Co Cork, says chief executive Kevin McPartlan.

“The position is straightforward. If access to fuel terminals and refineries is obstructed, fuel cannot be loaded and delivered as normal.

“If fuel cannot be delivered as normal, stock levels at forecourts cannot be maintained. What we are now seeing at some sites is the inevitable consequence of those blockades,” he said.

McPartlan said “the people being hurt by these actions are not politicians, not civil servants, and not fuel suppliers. They are households, businesses, farmers, hauliers, workers, and communities across the country. They are the very people who rely on fuel to live their lives, to get to work, to run their businesses, to care for family members, and to keep essential services moving.”

“This goes beyond inconvenience, as when fuel deliveries are blocked, the consequences are serious. It is not just routine motorists who are affected.

“Essential workers are affected. Businesses are affected. Communities are affected. Emergency services are affected. If forecourts run dry, emergency vehicles will also face difficulty accessing the fuel they need.”

He said, “we want to be clear that we have real empathy for the concerns that are driving these protests. We fully understand the pressure that very high fuel prices are placing on hauliers, agricultural contractors, small businesses and families. Those concerns are real and legitimate.”

“But blockading fuel terminals and refineries is a serious misjudgement. It does not put pressure on decision-makers in any meaningful way. Instead, it disrupts the lives of ordinary people and damages the very communities the protesters say they represent.”

For that reason, he is appealing to those involved to stand down in the protests at fuel terminals and the refinery.

“We do not want to see a situation in which An Garda Síochána or the Defence Forces are required to intervene. We do not want to see anybody getting into legal difficulty. But nor can Ireland’s fuel infrastructure be obstructed without serious consequences for the public.

“Those involved should now reflect carefully on whether this is really the right way to make their point. The reality is simple: if you block fuel facilities, you reduce the availability of fuel at forecourts. That is exactly what is now happening,” he said.

Full road closure between junctions 3 to 4 on M50 southbound

TII have reported an incident on its X platform on the M50 southbound motorway between junctions three to four.

It says a full road closure in place and advises drivers to expect delays.

Limerick residents show solidarity with protesters

Three residents of Bloodmill Road, Limerick, decided to show solidarity with the fuel price protesters on the M20 motorway by purchasing and preparing food for them, reports David Raleigh.

One of the residents, Ciara Doheny and her daughter Ellie, (12), were joined by neighbour Gerry Donovan to prepare and ferry the food to the protesters.

“We went to Dunne’s Stores this morning and we bought bread, ham, cheese, crisps, soft drinks, doughnuts, cookies, biscuits,” said Donovan.

“We did it as a show of solidarity with the protesters, because we heard on the media that when they were leaving the motorway to get food, they were not being let back in (to the protest) again.”

“So we decided to chance it and see would we be let on to the motorway with food for them and we were,” added Donovan.

“The Gardaí were very nice and let us on, and we drove the food on ourselves. We spoke to the drivers and they were very appreciative of the food and refreshments.”

“It was a load of food, fit for an army, we used five loaves of bread – t’was like the five loaves and the fishes in the Bible – so we spread the love,” added Donovan, who is a sacristan at his local church.

“It is a biblical event and everyone is human, no matter what, so we brought them food,” he said.

Donovan said the protests had “divided” opinion, but that, in his opinion, if the protesters didn’t take to the roads, they would not be able to afford to continue producing food and delivering that food to supermarkets, if the price of fuel does not reduce.

“Look, if they didn’t do it, the bread won’t be delivered, the milk won’t be delivered, and it meant a lot to them when we got out of the car with boxes of food for them.”

Buoyed on by the success of their food drop, Donovan pledged: “We’ll do it again.”

Business leaders call on Government to ‘enforce law and order’

The country’s largest business lobby has told the Government that ongoing blockades are jeopardising “cornerstones of the Irish economy”, calling on the Coalition to “enforce law and order,” reports Political Correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones.

In a letter sent to Government leaders and Ministers on Thursday, employer’s body Ibec outlined its “gravest concern” regarding fuel protests and the “co-ordinated blocking” of ports, the Whitegate oil refinery and key industrial zones.

Ibec chief executive Danny McCoy wrote that the group supports peaceful protest but said that “the current escalation has moved beyond expression into the territory of significantly damaging economic disruption”.

Outlining the impact on several sectors, he wrote that blockades are “currently jeopardising the operation of several cornerstones of the Irish economy”.

For the full article, click here.

Circle K forecourt in Co Clare runs out of diesel

Today, Barron’s Spar family run shop, at Blackwater, Ardnacrusha in Co Clare Circle K fuel forecourt ran out of diesel as a consequence of the fuel protest blockades, reports David Raleigh.

Manager, Alannah Barron, said she did not know when her diesel pumps will run again.

“For the last two days we have seen an awful lot of people panic buy, people are stocking up with Jerry-Cans and everything,” said Barron.

“Unfortunately we are now out of diesel, and I have no idea when our next delivery is going to be ... it’s obviously very challenging,” she added.

Motorists queued up to fill their tanks throughout the day, but were only able to do so if they had petrol vehicles. Diesel owners were met with signs strapped to the diesel pumps that read: “Out of fuel. Sorry for the inconvenience.”

“Our customers are like myself, we just don’t know (when it will end), hopefully we will get some answers soon, but I suppose nobody knows,” said Ms Barron.

Across the border into Limerick, filling stations reportedly placed a cap on how much fuel motorists could purchase.

Long queues of vehicles outside filling stations were reported across the Midwest.

Protesters blocked road outside Four Courts

Ronan McGreevy reports that protesters blocked the road outside the Four Courts in Dublin city.

They said they had permission from Gardaí to do so for 15 minutes and would then move on to a different location.

Blockades will lead to a ‘very real animal health welfare issue,’ says Minister for Agriculture

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said some blockades are impeding farming activities and preventing vital components, such as animal feed, from leaving ports, reports Ellen O’Riordan.

“This is going to lead to a very real animal health welfare issue in the very near future. We also have a shortage of diesel getting to our co-ops for lories to go and collect milk off farms every day,” he told reporters at a Defence Forces ceremony in Kildare on Thursday.

He said he knows farmers are “really hurting” right now as a result of the US-Israel war with Iran. The Government is working closely with the representative bodies that were democratically elected to represent farmers, contractors, businesses and hauliers, he said.

It is important the Coalition does not make an intervention that has “unintended consequences of leaving the economy worse off”. Some measures requested, such as price caps on fuel, would have a counter effect to what would be intended, he said.

Activities of some protesters ‘crossing into criminal behaviour’, says Minister for Defence

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said the activities of some protesters is “crossing into criminal behaviour”, reports Ellen O’Riordan.

The right to peaceful protest is “sacrosanct”, but there must be an effective response when people are blockading fuel at depos, stopping ambulances from reaching hospitals and preventing animal feed from leaving ports.

She said there are some in these protests who “have no direction for where to go after this” and are “simply blockading”. People “have to be able to go about their business”.

“I think there is a concern for any type of large protest of this kind that there would be those involved who do not have genuine concerns,” she added.

She acknowledged there are “so many people here who have genuine concerns” and advised them to “please take care where there are those who are not included or involved for any other reason than to cause mischief”.

The Minister said the Defence Forces responded “immediately” when asked for support this morning.

She said the Government appreciates “just how challenging” the current environment is for everybody”, including people whose businesses depend on fuel.

Ireland is “not immune” to the events in the Middle East, and the Government has tried to respond “in the best way we possibly could” by ensuring support is targeted.

“We are at this stage providing almost €4 million every day,” she said, adding that this is the largest financing being provided per capita by any government across Europe.

“That’s not to say we are saying that’s enough ... We know there is more we need to do, but we have to make sure any decision we take is not then eliminated or removed or wiped out by something that happens in the Middle East or something that happens by decision taken by somebody else.”

The Taoiseach and various Ministers have been engaging with elected representative associations for various affected sectors, including hauliers, bus operators, farmers and contractors, she said.

Imminent threats to critical supply chains and business operations unless fuel protests are removed, says Ibec

Ibec, the group representing Irish business, has urged an immediate de-escalation of the nationwide fuel protest.

“Now in its third day, the protest is presenting significant cost and operational disruption which is already impacting on supply chains, while also presenting health and safety risks to workers,” an Ibec spokesman said.

“Ibec members across critical business supply chains such as food, medicines and construction are all reporting growing risks to production processes within the coming 24 to 48 hours unless the protests are removed from essential infrastructure such as ports, industrial zones and transport hubs. Some sites have already ceased production.”

The group said: “Beyond the obvious disruption that has forced organisations to alter work patterns to limit overall operational impact, the protests have caused significant access issues for several large industrial areas.

“Restricting access to these facilities poses a major risk to health and safety, particularly in emergency situations where ease of entry is critical. Many employees have been unable to access their work places and some employers are reporting up to 50 per cent forced absenteeism rates.”

Ibec Director of Lobbying and Influence, Fergal O’Brien said: “We fully understand the cost pressures facing individuals and businesses as a result of the ongoing volatility in the Middle East.”

The group said it continues to advocate with the Government to discuss further ways to alleviate these pressures until costs have stabilised.

Number of retailers reporting empty shelves in city centre stores, says Retail Ireland

Retail Ireland, representing the Irish retail sector, has warned that the sustained fuel protests will continue to have acute disruption to essential retail operations.

“At a time when the industry is already navigating razor-thin margins and rising input costs, the current disruptions are creating stock shortages and additional operational overheads,” it said in a statement.

Arnold Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland, said: “As the protests enter their third day, the obstruction of distribution hubs and key access routes is no longer merely a logistical inconvenience but has transitioned into a direct threat to the availability of essential goods, with a number of retailers now reporting empty shelves in city centre stores.

“Additionally, staff members are unable to travel to work causing increased pressure on daily retail operations. Retail businesses are increasingly concerned for their staff safety during this time, as access from emergency services has been blocked in certain locations. At a time when many retailers are facing cost pressures, drop off in footfall caused by disruption is also very concerning.”

“While we are deeply conscious of the cost pressures facing individuals and businesses as a result of increased energy prices, targeting essential infrastructure is a counterproductive measure that directly penalises local communities and those employed in the retail industry”.

Retail Ireland continues to advocate with the Government to discuss further ways to alleviate these pressures until costs have stabilised, it said.

Defence Forces ‘happy’ to provide supports to Gardaí, says chief of staff

The army will deploy “heavy lift recovery vehicles” to locations around the State in response to a request for assistance in handling protesters, the Defence Forces chief of staff has said, reports Ellen O’Riordan.

Lieut Gen Rossa Mulcahy, said “the Defence Forces have been asked by An Garda Síochána to provide supports and happy to do that.”

Mulcahy said this is a “unique capability” the Defence Forces has and it will be provided for “as long as An Garda Síochána need it”. He said the operation is led by gardaí, and the army has a supporting role from today.

He noted online commentary about armoured personal carriers in Limerick and confirmed these are “not associated with this particular task”. This is part of an exercise being carried out by personnel preparing to be deployed overseas.

The chief of staff was speaking to reporters in advance of a ceremony for cadets in Co Kildare on Thursday.

Dublin Bus cancellations and diversions

Cancelled services due to the protest:

• 142 – 16:35, 16:50, 17:05 and 17:35
• P29 – 17:00, 17:20 and 17:40
• 51D – 17:15
• 69X – 17:45
• X1 – 16:50, 17:30, 17:50 and 18:30
• X2 – 15:30, 16:15 and 17:10
• 41X – 17:00, 17:15 and 17:30
• X27 – 16:12, 17:11, 17:30 and 17:50
• 33X – 16:15, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30 and 18:00
• 33D – 17:45
• X31 – 16:30, 17:00 and 17:30
• X25 – 16: 14,16:39, 16:50, 17:07, 17:15 and 17:22
• X32 – 16:45 and 17:15
• X28 – 16:50 and 17:30
• X30 – 16:50 and 17:25
• 39X – 16:55 and 17:25

The following routes have new termini due to the protest:

• Route 1 – Santry to / from Parnell Square
• Route 4 – Monkstown Avenue to / from Merrion Square
• Route 7/a – Brides Glen Luas Stop/ Loughlinstown to / from Merrion Square
• Route 7 b/d: Shankill/ Dalkey to / from Merrion Square
• Route 7e: Dalkey to Merrion Square
• Route 11/b – North Circular to Parnell Square only
• Route 11/b – Sandyford to Stephen’s Green only
• Route 13 – Grangecastle to / from Mountjoy Square
• Route 14 – North: Beaumont (Ardlee Road) to Talbot Street (only)
• Route 14 – South: Stephen’s Green to Dundrum Luas (only)
• Route 15 – North: Clongriffin to Amiens Street (only)
• Route 15 – South: Stephen’s Green to Ballycullen (only)
• Route 19 – Dublin Airport to / from Parnell Square
• Route 27 – South: Jobstown to Cook Street (only)
• Route 27 – North: Clare Hall to Amiens Street (only)
• Route 33 – Balbriggan/Skerries to / from Mountjoy Square
• Route 37 – Blanchardstown to / from Blackhall Place
• Route 38/a/b – Damastown to / from Parnell Square
• Route 39/a – Ongar to / from Blackhall Place
• Route 41 – Swords Manor to / from Mountjoy Square
• Route 41B – Rolestown to / from Mountjoy Square
• Route 41C – Swords Manor to / from Mountjoy Square
• Route 44 – South: Stephen’s Green to Enniskerry (only)
• Route 44d: Dundrum Luas to / from Stephen’s Green
• Route 60 – Red Cow Luas to Cook Street / Cook Street to Red Cow Luas
• Route 65 – Blessington to / from Camden Street
• Route 65B – Citywest to / from Camden Street
• Route 68/A – Newcastle/ Greenogue to Cook Street / Cook Street to Newcastle/ Greenogue
• Route 69 – Rathcoole to Cook Street / Cook Street to Rathcoole
• Route 70 – Dunboyne to Blackhall Place / Blackhall Place to Dunboyne
• Route 74 – Dundrum Luas to / from Merchants Quay
• Route 120 – Ashtown Rail Station to / from Parnell Square
• Route 122 – North: Ashington to / from Parnell Square (only)
• Route 122 – South: Drimnagh to / from Georges Street (only)
• Route 150 – Limekiln Avenue to Cook Street
• Route 150 – From Cook Street to Limekiln Avenue
• Route 151 – Foxborough to Cook Street / Cook Street to Foxborough
• Route E1 – Ballywaltrim to Dawson Street / Kildare Street to Ballywaltrim (only)
• Route E2 – North: Harristown to / from Parnell Square (only)
• Route E2 – South: Kildare Street to Dún Laoghaire from 13:00
• Route E2 – South: Dún Laoghaire to Dawson Street from 13:00
• Route G1 – Red Cow to / from Cook Street
• Route G2 – Liffey Valley to / from Cook Street
• Route C1/C2/C3/C4/C5/C6 – Operating to / from Heuston Station

All other routes are operating as normal.

The following diversions are in place:

• Route 13 – Services depart from Mountjoy Square, turn on to Gardiner Street, Dorset Street, Church Street, High Street, James Street and back on normal route
• Route 13 from Grange Castle will operate as far as Nass Road, divert via Walkinstown Avenue, Crumlin Road, Dolphins Barn, Cork Street on to High Street and back on normal route.
• Route 16/D – Normal route to Dorset Street, then divert straight to King St, left to Church St, straight to Bridge St, left to High St, High Street, straight to Lord Edward Street, Dame Street, turning right on to Georges Street and back on normal route.
• Route 16 from Ballinteer, normal route to Georges Street, turn left on to Dame Street, Christ Church, North Quays, left on to Swift Row, Parnell Street, left on to Parnell Square west and back on to normal route.
• Route 23/24 – From Charlestown / Dublin Airport normal route to Fr Mathew Bridge, Bridge Street Lower, Patrick Street, Kevin Street, St Stephen’s Green and back on to normal route.
• Route 23/24 From Merrion Square, towards Stephen’s Green, to Cuffe Street, Christ Church and back on normal route.
• Route 80 From Liffey Valley, normal route Arran Quay, right on to Bridge Street, left on to Dame Street, right on to Georges Street and back on normal route.
• Route 80 From Palmerston Park, normal route to Georges Street, right on to Dame Street, to Bridge Street, right on to Ushers Quay and back on normal route.
• Route F1/F2/F3 – Northbound: Normal route to Clanbrassil St then divert straight on to Patrick St, left on to High St, right on to Bridge St, straight on to Church St, right on to King St continue straight to Dorset St and back to normal route.
• Route F1/F2/F3 – Southbound: Normal route to Dorset Street, then divert straight to King St, left to Church St, straight to Bridge St, left to High St, High Street, right to Patrick Street, straight to Kevin Street and back on normal route.
• Route G1 – From Red Cow: Normal route to Thomas Street then divert to Bridge Street, Cook Street and terminate.
• Route G1 – To Red Cow: Depart Cook Street to Winetavern Street to Merchants Quay, Bridge Street, Thomas Street and normal route.
• Route G2 – From Liffey Valley: Normal route to Thomas Street then divert to Bridge Street, Cook Street and terminate.
• Route G2 – To Liffey Valley: Depart Cook Street to Winetavern Street to Merchants Quay, Bridge Street, Thomas Street and normal route.

One lane open on M50 northbound after junction six

In an incident update post on X, TII said one lane is open on the M50 northbound after junction six at Blanchardstown and advised drivers to expect delays.

CSNA chief says several leading politicians should apologise to members and staff over ‘totally inaccurate statements’

The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), said it is pleased to note the findings of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) into complaints from politicians and members of the public that increases in the price the public were paying for various fuels were excessive and unjust.

Chief executive Vincent Jennings said the “CSNA had always believed that an investigation would exonerate our members of any wrongdoing, as was also the case in the last CCPC report following the invasion of Ukraine.”

He said members and their staff were subjected to “appalling abuse following well-publicised and totally inaccurate statements from several leading politicians, all of whom should apologise.”

Lines of motorists queuing for fuel are being reported across Co Waterford with similar scenes around Clonmel in Tipperary, reports Sarah Slater.

Defence Forces confirm armoured vehicles seen on roads are conducting ‘mission readiness exercises’

Earlier today, the Defence Forces had been asked to deploy heavy vehicles, usually used for recovering armoured personnel carriers, to remove trucks blockading fuel depots and other critical infrastructure.

Videos on social media circulated of armoured personnel carriers in convoy.

In a post on X, Defence Forces confirmed that the armoured personnel carriers are the personnel of the 128th Infantry Battalion conducting mission readiness exercises in advance of deployment to Unifil next month.

It said mission readiness exercises are “critical activities to train and prepare our personnel for conducting duties in Southern Lebanon.”

‘This is about survival’: Protesters in Cork are ‘not asking for the world’

A fuel protester in Macroom, Co Cork, who “runs a one-man operation” has said that they are “not asking for the world” from the Government, reports Olivia Kelleher.

Gearoid Crowley, who was outside an event being attended by Taoiseach Micheál Martin this morning, warned that members of the public need to be aware of the impact of the surge in fuel prices on everything from goods to services.

“What would be considered a small [contracting] outfit – five tractors, a silage harvester and a pike on the pit – that man is facing this summer, if this is not brought under control, that man is facing an extra €1,500 per day on his fuel bill.

“He cannot absorb all that – he is going to have to pass that on. If he passes that on, that knock-on effect is going to go down the line.

“That is going to end up in the shops on the shelves in the price of food. What we are trying to say to the public is that you are not going to notice this now, but come September, October and November you are all going to be standing there paying €5 for a loaf of bread.

“This is where it ends. If this does not get brought under control now – and quickly – that is where it is going to end up. The price of food come the fall of the year – because of the cost of production right now is going to go through the roof.”

Crowley said that they were taking part in the protest for “the entire country.”

“We are doing this for everybody - for the entire country. Not just to line our own pockets. It is nothing to do with that. This is about survival and keeping our businesses afloat.

“We want to be able to continue to produce food at an affordable level for the general public, plain and simple.”

O’Connell Street businesses giving free food to protesters

Shops and businesses on or near O’Connell Street have been handing out free food to protesters, reports Ronan McGreevy.

The local Daybreak has given plates of sandwiches, while coffee and doughnut establishments have also been handing out food.

Protest organiser Peter Geoghegan said the generosity of local businesses, despite the city centre disruption, indicated public support for the protesters.

M50 closure at junction five, TII warns

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has alerted road users that a full road closure is in place on the M50 northbound at junction five, Finglas.

“Expect delays,” it said in a statement on social media.

Delays are affecting many major roads in the country as well as the M50, including the M18, M9, M8, M7/N7, M4/N4, M3/N3 and several other routes.

See the full list of closures here.

Irish Road Haulage Association will not protest during ‘good faith’ negotiations with Government

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has said it will not take part in protests while it is “negotiating in good faith with government”.

In a statement, the representative body of the licensed road haulage industry in Ireland said it is continuing talks with Government on a “daily basis to achieve further supports for our members in the haulage sector”.

“We are currently in negotiations with Government for more supports for our industry following crippling fuel price increases,” it said.

“We reiterate that we will not be taking part in any protest actions whilst we are negotiating in good faith with government – contrary to reports on social media."

The IRHA said the “best way to resolve this issue is through dialogue” and that it will continue its “ongoing discussions” with the Government.

Michael Healy-Rae suggests Government should sit down with protesters

Independent Minister Michael Healy-Rae has gone against the Government line and advocated for his colleagues to meet the protesters.

Healy-Rae said: “It costs absolutely nothing to sit down and talk to people,” reports Political Correspondent Ellen Coyne.

“I believe in democracy. I believe in talking. And there are people protesting that have said they want to talk. They want to talk to Governments or representatives of Government, and a I think that that should happen,” he told Radio Kerry.

Healy-Rae said there are many farmers who are not members of representative bodies like the Irish Farmers Association, who “still deserve a voice”.

“But if there are people that have been nominated, for example, to speak … like, it costs absolutely nothing to sit down and talk and listen to people’s concerns.”

Healy-Rae also said that he did support the Government’s use of the Defence Forces if necessary.

“Of course these people have concerns, but you can’t block or hold a country to ransom,” he said.

“If the Army has to get oil distributed around the country to ensure that emergency vehicles will have diesel and petrol and that people will be able to go to work … you cannot hold the country to ransom.”

“I think that an opportunity was missed yesterday to meet with the groups, the people that have been nominated, but this escalation now and blocking the fuel, that is wrong. It’s never too late to talk, and it doesn’t cost anything to talk.”

Patients and staff delayed in getting to appointments says CHI

Patients and staff have been delayed in getting to health appointments by the fuel protests affecting Irish roads, Children’s Health Ireland says in a statement.

“The protests have had an impact on services in CHI at Crumlin, Connolly, Tallaght and Temple Street as they have delayed patients and families attending hospital appointments and have delayed healthcare staff getting to and from work which impacts operational activity.”

CHI has requested that the approaches to medical facilities are always kept clear.

“This is essential for emergency services, patients and families attending appointments and healthcare staff working in our hospital sites,” the State body said.

Patients and families with hospital appointments have been advised to allow extra travel time due to “significant travel delays”, plan alternative routes and to reschedule appointments if necessary.

CHI runs the existing children’s hospitals at Crumlin,Temple Street and Tallaght, and will be in charge of the new National Children’s Hospital once it is completed.

Woman with brain cancer blocked from treatment due to protests

A woman with brain cancer has been unable to access treatment in Beaumont Hospital because of the fuel protests, reports Ronan McGreevy.

Lucy Munnelly was due to arrive for treatment at Beaumont Hospital at midday from her home in Sandyford.

It is a journey that takes about 45 minutes normally, but she has been stuck in traffic jams on the M50 for an hour and a half as a result of the fuel protests, and may miss her appointment completely.

Her daughter Jenny Munnelly said she was “fuming” at the protesters for inconveniencing people who are trying to access vital hospital appointments.

“I have zero sympathy with these protesters. Take it out on the Government; don’t take it out on ordinary people.”

More from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald speaking to reporters in Dublin:

In response to a question asking if she believed the protests should end or continue, McDonald said: “The ball is in the court of Government. They, after all, govern. They are responsible to keep the wheel turning and to ensure that businesses and families and workers and farmers are supported.

“So I’m saying to them directly, there is no need for further escalation. There is no need for them to aggravate this situation any further.

“Pick up the phone, demonstrate respect. Listen to what people are telling them, and then act, not with half measures, but with sufficient measures.”

Wrong to ‘escalate and aggravate’ protests by sending in the Defence Forces, says Sinn Féin

The Government is wrong to “escalate and aggravate” the fuel protests by sending in the Defence Forces, says Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Speaking to reporters this morning in Dublin, McDonald said that Taoiseach Micheál Martin should meet the protesters, listen to them and act to reduce the cost of fuel, reports Political Editor, Pat Leahy.

“I think it is wrong for Micheál Martin and Simon Harris to take actions that escalate and aggravate a very difficult situation,” she said.

“I think the intelligent, responsible, Government action is to engage, to listen, and then crucially to act.

McDonald said that Sinn Féin had warned the Government of the hardships that people were experiencing but “They weren’t prepared to listen to us then.”

“They now need to show a willingness, to listen to the people who are simply saying that they want to be heard, and then they want to see action from their Government.

Asked if she supported what the protesters were doing at the moment, McDonald said: “I support measures to make it possible for businesses to survive, for people to function, for farmers, for hauliers, for contractors, and for others to go about their daily lives. I do not support Government action, that aggravates and escalates a very, very difficult situation.”

Fuel stations in Kilkenny ‘experiencing delays in fuel deliveries’

Some fuel stations in Kilkenny have advised customers that they are “currently experiencing delays in fuel deliveries”, Sarah Slater reports.

Two Inver fuel stations, one in Kilkenny city and another in the village of Slieverue are advising customers they have been affected by delays.

In an online statement they added it was due to “ongoing disruption affecting access to the Foynes fuel terminal”.

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to continue serving our customers.”

Whitegate protesters say they will be replaced by others if removed by gardaí

Fuel price protesters gathered outside Ireland’s only refinery say that if the gardaí and Army come in to remove them then others will replace them and they will maintain a blockade until the Government meets their demands and puts a cap on fuel prices.

Southern Correspondent, Barry Roche reports that numbers maintaining the blockade on the road leading to Irving Oil’s refinery at Whitegate in east Cork continued to grow all morning, with about a dozen trucks and four tractors narrowing the entrance so that only private vehicles can gain access to the area.

Among those there overnight was local builder Joe Rynne, who runs his own construction company in Whitegate, employing seven people and he said the surge in fuel prices over the last few weeks has made his business virtually unsustainable.

“I have seven lads in total working and I have five diggers – I burned €108 worth of diesel in two hours and that was only doing light work – that’s not sustainable and I’m here today because it’s not going to pay me to go back to doing what I was doing yesterday.”

As the number of protesters swelled to more than 60 people, a small number of gardaí were maintaining a discreet presence inside the blockade closer to the refinery with uniform officers chatting with some of the protesters.

Word spread at one stage that troops were reported to be leaving Collins Barracks in Cork city in Mowags and speculation mounted that this might well be what Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan had envisaged when he spoke about calling in the Army to assist gardaí.

But then word spread that troops from Collins Barracks are due to deploy to the Unifil peacekeeping mission in Lebanon in a few weeks and that the troops and the Mowags were heading for Lynch Camp in Kilworth in North Cork for a training exercise.

But what happens if gardaí assisted by members of the Defence Forces begin to remove protesters and attempt to lift the blockage outside the Irving Oil Refinery?

Rynne says that the protest is a grassroots movement, and he expects others will be willing to take the place of anyone who is removed from Whitegate – with plenty of hauliers, builders, farmers and contractors willing to maintain a blockade.

“We are going to stay here until this is sorted and white diesel is capped at 90c a litre and green diesel is capped at €1.60 to €1.70 a litre and if we are removed, then reinforcements will come down from the rest of the country and will take our place.

“What’s unbelievable about this protest is that it started with a WhatsApp group on Sunday night and every person that was burning diesel started adding another person who was burning diesel and it grew organically then.

“There’s one WhatsApp group for Cork and one for up the country and one for the west of Ireland – the Cork group maxed out at 1,025 people and we have people coming down to join us now from Mallow and Charleville in North Cork and we have people here too from west Cork.”

M50 fuel protester convoy reaches junction six

The convoy of protesters along the M50 motorway is reaching junction six northbound, with traffic trailing back to junction nine.

Delays are affecting many major roads in the country as well as the M50, including the M18, M9, M8, M7/N7, M4/N4, M3/N3 and several other routes.

See the full list of closures here.

Leave hard shoulder free for emergency services, TII asks road users

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has asked road users to leave the hard shoulder available for emergency services and warned of significant disruption to road networks.

“TII requests that all road users leave the hard shoulder available for emergency services,” it said in a statement on social media.

The State body also warned that there is “significant distribution” across the national road and motorway network with Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Laois, Offaly, Kildare, Galway, Cork, and Dublin currently impacted.

It said, however, that the protest is “mobile at times and can impact different regions at different times.”

Health Minister calls for entrances to medical facilities to be kept clear

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the HSE chief executive Anne O’Connor have called for all approaches to medical facilities to be kept clear for emergency service access, for patients attending medical appointments and to ensure staff can get to work and treat their patients.

“Attending hospital or receiving treatment in the community, whether in an emergency situation or for a routine appointment, is a vulnerable time for a patient and their family.

“Please respect the critical need for clear and safe access to all healthcare services, to ensure that access to care is never compromised,” a joint statement said.

Support for protesters in Dublin city

Dublin city centre was conspicuously quiet on Thursday with few commuters around, Ronan McGreevy reports.

Public transport through Dublin’s main thoroughfare was still going, with the Luas Red Line operating, but the trains were mostly empty.

“It doesn’t bother me,” said one woman, “I got a bus as far as Church Street and walked the rest of the way. I’m sure other people are annoyed but it is for the greater good.”

She said a fill of oil in her home in Dublin had gone up 40 per cent since the week before Christmas.

“It cost €500 for 500 litres in December and now it is costing us €500 for 300 litres. That’s a huge difference in such a small short space of time.

“I’m not surprised the protests are happening all over the country when you are using vans and trucks on a daily basis.”

A young woman, who was cycling back from her yoga classes, also supported the protesters. “I’m from a farming family in Tipperary. We know what it is like to see our bills go up all the time. It can’t go on the way it is going on.”

Price of home-heating oil hits highest level since 1996 amid Iran war

The price of home-heating oil rose by 67.5 per cent last month when compared with February, the largest ever month-on-month increase, according to data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

The increase exceeded the previous biggest monthly rise of 58.4 per cent seen in March 2022. Compared with 12 months ago, home-heating oil prices were up by 63.3 per cent.

The price of home-heating oil was at its highest level since the CSO started publishing detailed sub-indices in 1996. Diesel was at its highest level since July 2022 while the price of petrol was at its highest level since August 2022.

Read Colin Gleeson’s full report here.

Dublin Bus services cancelled

Dublin Bus has cancelled a number of services today, while several other routes are badly delayed.

“We wish to advise customers that due to fuel price protests, we are experiencing ongoing severe service disruptions and delays across the Dublin Bus network,” a statement noted.

The following services have been cancelled:

• 142 - 16:35, 16:50, 17:05 and 17:35 
• P29 - 17:00,17:20 and 17:40
• 51D - 17:15 
• 69X - 17:45
• X1 - 16:50, 17:30, 17:50 and 18:30 
• X2 - 15:30, 16:15 and 17:10 
• 41X - 17:00, 17:15 and 17:30 
• X27 - 16:12, 17:11, 17:30, 17:50 
• 33X - 16:15, 16:30, 17:00, 17:30 and 18:00 
• 33D -  17:45
• X31 - 16:30, 17:00, 17:30 
• X25 - 16: 14,16:39, 16:50, 17:07, 17:15 and 17:22 
• X32 - 16:45, 17:15 
• X28 - 16:50, 17:30 
• X30 - 16:50, 17:25 
• 39X - 16:55, 17:25 

The latest updates to services will be posted here.

It’s ‘madness’ and ‘Trumpian’ for Government to call in Army - Tóibín

Aontú Leader Peadar Tóibín has called on the Government to de-escalate the situation.

“It is madness for the Government to call in the Army before trying every peaceful avenue possible to bring this protest to an end. It is incredible how obtuse . . . this Government is that they wont even speak to representatives of the protests,” he said in a statement.

“My understanding is that this protest will stand down immediately if the Government simply call them and organise a meeting.

“It is shocking to think that the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste are going to introduce a Trumpian strategy that could potentially lead to violence on our streets and yet this Government will not at least try to talk to these.”

The Meath West TD added: “No one wants to see our roads or ports blocked. This has to be brought to an end soon. The solution is that the Minister for Transport lifts the phone to the reps of the protests and organises a meeting.

“We have been in contact with numerous Ministers to urge them to resolve this in a speedy manner. We will continue to try and mediate a solution today.”

Protesters urged to end blockades before intervention from Defence Forces

Political Correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones has been rounding up more political reaction to the protests.

People Before Profit TD Paul Murphy said it was “extremely worrying” that the Defence Forces had been asked to intervene, saying this “will create a dangerous precedent”.

Earlier, a Defence Forces source said the organisation would likely be providing vehicles but not engaging in crowd control or public order policing.

Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman has called on fuel protesters to end their blockage ahead of planned interventions from the Defence Forces.

“Irish people need to be able to travel and access basic services like fuel. The right to protest is not a right to hold people to ransom. Those leading the protests should look at the impact of their actions on people around the country, and stop blocking roads, public transport and fuel depots,” he said.

“If the gardaí need to be provided with extra support in keeping roads and basic services open, then that’s the right thing to do – vulnerable people shouldn’t be at risk of not being able to travel to the doctor, water supplies cannot be threatened for lack of fuel.”

A spokesperson for the Social Democrats said: “Everybody in this country has a right to protest but the escalation in the protests – and the blockading of fuel depots, motorways and large parts of central Dublin – is wrong.

“It targets commuters and businesses, who are struggling with the same cost-of-living pressures as the protesters. Critical infrastructure should not be blocked and the decision to call in the support of the Defence Forces may well be warranted.

“However, to try to de-escalate a rapidly deteriorating situation, the Government should meet with the organisers of this protest. This should only be done on the strict condition that, having heard their concerns, the protests all over the country will then end.”

Someone left a bag of supplies for protesters on Dublin’s O’Connell Street. It’s full of Tayto and doughnuts, in case you were wondering.

‘RIP Ireland’ on coffin on O’Connell Street

One of the O’Connell Street protesters is Thomas Clarke, who is a haulier and a provider of horse-drawn carriages in Dublin, Ronan McGreevy reports.

Clarke has two vans to accompany the carriages that are used for weddings and funerals. He therefore had no problem accessing a coffin, which he deposited on the back of his Scania lorry, now parked at the O’Connell Bridge end of O’Connell Street.

The inscription on the coffin reads “RIP Ireland”.

Clarke said his diesel bills have risen from €6,000 to €8,500 a month in the last month.

“Ireland has gone to the dogs with the Government with the carbon tax and the diesel tax. It’s going to put a lot more people out of business, including my own,” he said.

Based in Dublin, he joined the protest in Enfield and has been on O’Connell Street since Tuesday, sleeping in his lorry at night.

“My lorry was parked up outside the GPO until the coffin was brought in. When we got the coffin, we reversed the lorry back down.”

The Defence Forces has confirmed its assistance has been requested from An Garda Síochána in the form of heavy vehicle recovery.

“As this operation is ongoing, we will not provide further comment until it is concluded,” a statement noted.

“The Defence Forces are aware of images circulating of Mowag Armoured Personnel Carriers in convoy. We can confirm that these are the personnel of the 128th Infantry Battalion conducting mission readiness exercises ahead of deployment to Unifil next month.”

Protesters told to ‘immediately cease blockades of critical infrastructure or face full rigours of the law’

An Garda Síochána is advising protesters to “immediately cease blockades of such critical infrastructure or face the full rigours of the law”, Colm Keena reports.

Speaking today, deputy commissioner of policing operations, Shawna Coxon said: “Over the last two days, An Garda Síochána has engaged extensively with those taking part in fuel protests across the country to facilitate peaceful protest while protecting public safety.

“Yesterday, we advised protesters that they were severely impacting on the lives of people, particularly emergency workers, those who need to attend hospital, and workers.

“Despite our significant and prolonged engagement, which has included explaining and encouraging protesters to facilitate free movement of traffic, it is clear that some people have significantly escalated an already difficult situation by targeting critical infrastructure such as fuel depots and refineries.

“These are no longer protests, they are blockades. These blockades are putting at risk supplies of food, fuel, clean water and animal feed. These are critical for the nation and its people. This is not tolerable and is against the law.

“The wilful obstruction of public roads and the movement of vehicles and persons are offences under various statutes including the Public Order Act and Road Traffic Acts.”

Coxon said gardaí are now “moving to an enforcement phase in relation to those impacting on critical infrastructure unless they desist and disperse from these blockades”.

“An Garda Síochána is advising protesters to immediately cease blockades of such critical infrastructure or face the full rigours of the law.”

She confirmed the Army was available to assist should that be necessary, and said the enforcement phase would begin “immediately”.

Oil tankers turned around at Whitegate overnight

More details from Southern Correspondent Barry Roche at the blockaded fuel depot in Whitegate, Co Cork:

About eight articulated and rigid lorries were parked up at the junction leading to the Irving Oil Refinery and, according to Kelleher, up to 12 oil tankers turned around overnight and left without collecting their loads when they realised they could not gain access to the refinery.

“We had up to 12 tankers turned away overnight and there were no issues, the boys [the drivers] were helpful, no bad feelings, no arguments, everything was polite - even people going in and out of the refinery, 99 per cent of them are thumbs up, blowing the horn, no hassle,” Kelleher said.

“We are getting loads of support from people – we’ve kept local access open and all the residents are delighted with us – the neighbours here were polite, they brought out tea and sandwiches, they offered us beds if we wanted them.”

Kelleher acknowledged that the Government said it will only talk to recognised representative bodies like the Irish Road Haulage Association, but said most hauliers are hugely dissatisfied with the IRHA over its efforts to get support for hauliers and truck drivers.

“The problem is the Government only want to speak to official parties. I’m a member of the Irish Road Haulage Association but not for much longer, and there are hundreds like me who are hugely dissatisfied with the Road Haulage Association.

“Nobody is happy with the Road Haulage Association – they’ve done nothing for us - they are good enough to take money off people but all you get is a windscreen sticker and that’s being genuine.”

The Whitegate Oil Refinery opened in 1959 and was bought by Canadian company Irving Oil in 2016. The refinery employs more than 260 people and can process 75,000 barrels of oil a day and supplies 40 per cent of the petroleum needs of the country.

In a statement, Irving Oil said: “We are focused on the safety of our people, our facility and our neighbours. With global energy supply dynamics continuing to face volatility, we are hopeful that these events do not further strain the supply of energy to our customers.”

‘Our diesel bill is up €1,200: Protesters on why they are blockading fuel depot

Southern Correspondent Barry Roche has the latest from the blockaded fuel depot in Whitegate, Co Cork:

Protesters mounting a blockade of Ireland’s only oil refinery in Co Cork say they will maintain the protest for as long as it takes until the Government meets their demands and puts a cap on the price of diesel and other fuels.

More than 100 truck drivers, farmers and digger operators began the protest outside the Irving Oil refinery in Whitegate in east Cork on Wednesday evening and about 25 maintained the blockade overnight with more due to join the protest again on Thursday morning.

Among those who had come to Whitegate and stayed overnight was haulier Anthony Kelleher, who runs a two-truck haulage business with his father in Millstreet in north Cork. He said people were determined to maintain the blockade such was their frustration.

“It’s been tough – our diesel bill is up €1,200 to €1,400 a week since this started and we have two trucks, an artic and rigid - I’m stopped work and my father is stopped too – it’s actually cheaper to leave the trucks parked and all the boys here will tell you the same thing,” he said.

Kelleher and the other protesters are looking for the Government to cap the price of white diesel used in cars and lorries at 90 cents a litre and green diesel for tractors and diggers at €1.60 to €1.70 a litre.

“The Taoiseach was on the radio there a minute ago saying what we were doing was wrong – that we are leaving people without essential services – they’ve left us without essential services for the last 10, 12 years – healthcare for one,” Kelleher said.

“People are after realising that it’s not just us – we are doing this for everybody, down to the mom taking the kids to school, everyone who has travel to get to work – this is for everybody – this isn’t just for hauliers or builders or farmers.”

Bus Éireann routes cancelled

A number of Bus Éireann services have been cancelled due to the protests.

“Due to the fuel cost protests, several routes nationwide are experience considerable delays.

“There are slow-moving convoys and a barricade in Sligo town affecting all services. In addition, there slow-moving convoys on the N18 (Ennis Road), starting in Bunratty heading towards Limerick,” a statement from Bus Éireann said.

The following routes are among those with some cancelled services:

• Route 51: Cork to Galway
• Route 320: Charleville to Limerick
• Route 350: Ennis to Galway

Bus Éireann will be updating its list of cancelled or delayed services here.

Rosslare Harbour and Europort

An Garda Síochána says fuel protests in the Rosslare Harbour area are causing significant delays and disruption to traffic, including access to and from the port and surrounding roads, Sarah Slater reports.

“Since Tuesday, An Garda Síochána has been engaging with, and continues to engage with, those involved in the fuel protests around the country, seeking to work with them to mitigate the negative impact these protests are having on the lives of their communities,” a statement said.

“If a member of the public has an urgent situation requiring passage through affected areas (for example, medical needs or other time-critical circumstances impacted by roadblocks), please contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200 and Gardaí will assess whether Garda assistance is possible.”

‘Why in the name of God would people blockade our ports?’ - Taoiseach

Vivienne Clarke has more details from the Taoiseach’s interview with RTÉ radio.

Speaking on Today with David McCullagh show, Micheál Martin said constructive proposals were coming from various organisations “in a sustained and sensible way”.

“We’re trying to look at an effective way to make sure that industry can keep going, and that involves food production in particular, and it involves haulage, because both of those are essential to all of us.”

Martin said the situation in the Middle East remained “very volatile”.

“We hope the worst doesn’t come, and that we can navigate our way through this, as we navigated our way through Covid, as we navigated our way through the last energy crisis.”

The Taoiseach called on the protesters to “reflect” and end the demonstrations.

“The gun can’t be put to the head of any government in this manner,” he said.

“Why in the name of God would people blockade our ports? Why blockade fuel, and why blockade access to good water?”

Sarah Slater has these updates from Kilkenny and Tipperary:

The M9 at the Danesfort exit is now blocked by protesters in a slow-moving convoy made up of trucks, cars and tractors.

The Tipperary road and the Knockagh roundabouts in Cahir are also at a standstill due to protests which lead onto the M8 at Cashel where a blockade continued overnight.

Defence Forces formally asked to intervene

The Defence Forces has been asked to deploy heavy vehicles, usually used for recovering armoured personnel carriers, to remove trucks blockading fuel depots and other critical infrastructure.

A formal request for military assistance has now been formally submitted, Investigations Reporter Conor Gallagher writes.

This request, known as a C70, permits the Defence Forces to provide “aid to the civil power”. It is regularly used to request Defence Forces assistance in search operations and disposal of explosives.

Its use to address civilian protests is highly unusual if not unprecedented. However, sources stressed Army personnel will not be deployed in direct confrontation with protesters.

“They will not be doing CRC,” said a source referring to “crowd riot control”, the military term for public order policing. “If they weren’t asked to do that during the Dublin riots there is no chance they are going to be asked to do so against what are essentially peaceful protesters.”

Instead, the Garda plan to ask the Defence Forces to deploy their military recovery vehicles. These are heavy lift vehicles designed to recover the Mowag armoured personnel carriers used by the Army.

The Defence Forces operates unarmoured and armoured versions. The armoured version, known as “the beast” is typically used overseas.

The Army Corps of Engineers also has bulldozers and other heavy machinery. However, it is not known if these will be deployed. The Mowags themselves are also capable of towing other vehicles.

Sources said it was highly unlikely armed soldiers will be deployed with the vehicles. Protection of the vehicles and operators will be a matter for the Garda, they said.

This morning videos have been circulating online of convoys of armoured vehicles, including in the Limerick area where several blockades are in effect.

However, these are unrelated to the protests. The Army vehicles are instead taking part in a “mission readiness exercise” ahead of the deployed of the 128th Infantry Battalion to Lebanon.

Taoiseach says protests are ‘hurting people’

Vivienne Clarke has more from the Taoiseach’s interview with RTÉ radio.

Speaking on Today with David McCullagh, Micheál Martin said there was a fundamental problem with the idea that protesters could park lorries in the middle of O’Connell Street and refuse to move them until the Government talks to them.

“That’s not an acceptable form of protest,” Martin said.

“Everybody will be doing that every week. So the way to get a meeting now is just to rock up a couple of lorries, block motorways, block city centres, and you’d better talk to us now.”

The Taoiseach said there were “a whole range of organisations through whom those who were protesting could channel their issues”.

“They need to call off these protests because they’re hurting people. They’re hurting ordinary people. What’s the logic and sense in blocking access to fuel? There are some folk who will have no fuel this morning.”

Martin said the Government was in “constant discussions” to determine the most effective way to try to reduce pressure on those hardest hit. He said he had been “very taken aback” when he learned that fuel depots were being blockaded.

“I couldn’t comprehend it. For people who said that they’re concerned about the price and so on of fuel. To now be denying people access to fuel is beyond any logical comprehension in my view.

“I don’t think it’s fair and I don’t think it’s right to do that. People have been denied access to get to their jobs.”

Protesters block Dublin city centre

Fuel protesters have blocked up Dublin city centre for a third day in a row and claim they are settling in for the long haul, Ronan McGreevy reports.

Gardaí placed traffic barriers on Westmoreland Street and at the top of O’Connell Street to divert traffic.

Fuel protesters gathered at O’Connell Bridge blocking not only traffic travelling through the city centre north to south but also from east to west along the North quays. Diversions are in place.

Seán McNamara, a haulier and farmer from Co Westmeath who is one of the organisers, said the mood among the protesters was “ very bad” as the Government would not speak to them.

By them, he meant a delegation of four - himself, John Dallon, James Geoghegan and Christopher Duffy - who are members of the original Facebook group set to up organise the protests.

Government ministers have said they will speak to representatives of the Irish Road Haulage Association and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA), but not directly to the fuel protesters. They called on them to cease their protests.

The protesters want green diesel reduced in price from €1.70 to €0.90 a litre and ordinary diesel from €2.30 to €1.60 a litre.

They claim the Government can make these reductions because 65 per cent of the price of fuel is collected by way of tax.

“If we don’t get want we are looking for, these people won’t be leaving here. We need our demands met,” McNamara said.

“We don’t want to be here blocking up streets, but we are here for all the people of Ireland. If fuel prices don’t come down, food is going to become a lot dearer.”

Latest traffic delays

Several delays and closures have been reported on roads in and around Dublin.

‘It’s a sad day when a government would rather call in the army than make a phone call’

Political Correspondent Jack Horgan-Jones has been getting the latest political reaction to the protests.

A statement on behalf of Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said: “The Defence Forces are always available to consider any requests for assistance from An Garda Síochána. Ensuring that critical supplies for our country and its people are able to flow across our country is absolutely essential.

“I remain in close contact with government colleagues and the Chief of Staff.”

Sources earlier said the Defence Forces had not yet received a formal request to help respond to the protests.

Independent Ireland said: “It’s a sad day when a Government would rather call in the army for its own citizens than make a phone call.”

Taoiseach says people’s fundamental rights are being denied

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said it is unacceptable that people are being denied access to fuel and water because of the protests at critical infrastructure, Vivienne Clarke reports.

“It’s unacceptable that people would be denied access to clean water. So the essentials that enable Uisce Eireann to enable public water supplies are now being denied through the blockade and fines. People are finding difficulty getting to health appointments,” he told RTÉ radio’s Today with David McCullagh show.

The essentials of the economy were being blocked and paralysed, that was not fair to the people of Ireland, he said.

“It’s not a fair form of protest. Government accepts the right of people to protest and the need for peaceful protest in this country. That’s a cornerstone of a democracy.

“And there’s always a balance in terms of how one responds to protests. We don’t want to be denying that right or denying opportunities for people to articulate their position and perspectives on a variety of issues.

“But these type of protests have gone far beyond the pale now in terms of the undermining of people’s fundamental rights, the citizens’ rights to access the essentials of life itself.”

Social Democrats’ councillor Daniel Ennis has said that “shutting down down the city is not the answer”, Sarah Slater reports.

Ennis, a councillor for Dublin’s North Inner City, said: “People have the right to protest, especially when they’re under real pressure and don’t feel heard. But shutting down the city and disrupting ordinary people - workers, patients and carers isn’t the answer.”

He continued: “Behind these protests is a bigger problem - Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels is driving up costs and deepening the climate crisis, while the Government fails to properly support people through it.

“We need a fair, planned transition - real investment in renewables and retrofitting, real support for farmers and workers, and climate action that doesn’t pit urban against rural Ireland.”

Protester says Taoiseach’s statement was ‘disgraceful’

John Dallon, a representative of the fuel protesters, has said the protests will not be called off, despite plans by the Minister for Justice to involve the Defence Forces in moving protesters from critical infrastructure, Vivienne Clarke reports.

“Micheál Martin came out with a statement yesterday saying the protest was a total disrespect to the people of the island of Ireland. For a man of his integrity and intelligence, it’s absolutely disgraceful the statement he came out with and totally disrespectful to the people of Ireland,” Dallon told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.

“It’s the Government that’s holding the country to ransom, not the protesters. Now the protesters and the people of the island of Ireland have a constitutional right to have a peaceful protest and this protest does not just involve people that’s in business.

“This involves nurses, doctors, everybody going to schools or going to work that has to put diesel and petrol into their cars and buy food to put on the table, pay mortgages.”

Dallon said the Irish Road Hauliers Association, which is going to meet with the Government this week, did not represent some of the small haulage companies, while the IFA and ICMSA were just two of the seven farming organisations.

Dallon said the only people that can stop the protests are Micheál Martin and Simon Harris.

The protests would continue, he said, “until the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach respect the people of the island of Ireland that put them in power”.

When asked about his message to people unable to get to work today, he responded: “All I can say to them people is just bear with us, stand with us because we’re fighting for the people’s rights of the island of Ireland.”

Government cannot ‘bury their heads’

Labour TD George Lawlor has issued a statement in support of the protesters, saying the Government cannot “bury their heads”.

“Those involved in fuel protests are ordinary hardworking people trying to make a living,” the Wexford TD said.

“The Government simply has to engage in talks and not dig in and bury their heads. Now is the time for leadership, not inaction.”

Protests cannot hold Dublin city ‘to ransom’

Fuel protests cannot be allowed to hold Dublin city “to ransom”, Lord Mayor Councillor Ray McAdam said.

Commenting on the third day of protests, McAdam said: “Everybody has the right to protest, and everyone is well aware of rapidly rising fuel prices due to global events. However, holding the people of Dublin to ransom ... is not fair.

“I understand there is deep frustration at this time over the cost of fuel, but we cannot have people bringing our capital to a standstill. We need people to be able to move freely through our city, our carers and healthcare workers, our local businesses, our public transport must all be able to fully function.

“With the Rotunda at the heart of our inner city, it is vital that emergency vehicles, patients, and staff can freely move through the city to attend the hospital. I would ask all protesters to think about the impact this is having on the hospital.

“I fully respect the right to protest but disrupting our commuters, families, key workers and visitors to our city does not help and it’s not fair. Now is the time for us all to pull together.

“Disrupting day-to-day activities within our capital is wrong. It is vital that all stakeholders engage through the proper channels so that our city can function.”

Large vehicles blocking roads needs ‘tailored response’

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has said the fuel protesters should not be allowed have an impact on the lives of ordinary people, Vivienne Clarke reports.

Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast with Anton Savage, the Minister told of how some of his constituents had to travel to Dublin on Wednesday evening and book into a hotel to ensure they could make a hospital appointment on Thursday morning.

“That is not how we allow protests to impact people’s lives,” he said.

Heydon defended the decision of the Minister for Justice to involve the Defence Forces in assisting Gardaí in removing large vehicles from blocking vital infrastructures.

“We are talking about very large vehicles here in certain instances. So obviously that does need a tailored response in that regard where they are blocking critical infrastructure.”

The Minister said he and the Government understood that people were “very angry” but everyone had been impacted by the “significant fallout” from the Iranian war.

The Government was responding “in real time” to ensure its interventions were measured and mindful of their impact.

The continued blockade of critical infrastructure would have a knock-on impact on every citizen, “people who aren’t out protesting, but who too are impacted by high energy costs and the impact and the fallout of this war”.

“Government cannot shield the public from every element of the impact of the conflict in the middle east. But what we do have to do is make sure that our interventions are right,” he said. “You know, there are people and protesters here talking about a cap on the price of diesel and beyond.”

Defence Forces yet to receive formal request to intervene

It is understood the Defence Forces has yet to receive a formal request from authorities to intervene in the protests, Investigations Reporter Conor Gallagher writes.

Senior officers were taken by surprise by this morning’s announcement, as there had been no previous discussion of using military assets.

Sources said the role of the Defence Forces is likely to be limited to deploying Army engineering vehicles to remove large vehicles. This includes vehicles used in the recovery of armoured personnel carriers.

Updates from Carlow, Kildare and Offaly

Slow-moving protests have kicked off from the Circle K garage in Tinryland in Carlow, and are now starting to block the M9 which leads from Waterford city to the M50, Sarah Slater reports.

There is a slow-moving convoy underway in Naas from Castlewarden Junction 6 and from J9A Millennium which is citybound with heavy delays likely all the way to the M50.

Motorists are being advised to use back roads in Naas, Johnstown, Kill, Kilteel and Rathcoole to get around it. Alternatively, they should get off at J9A and head for M4 at Maynooth/Celbridge.

A large number of protesters have also gathered at the Tesco roundabout in Tullamore, Co Offaly.

More disruption has been reported on motorways with some lanes or entire roads closed.

One of the biggest national route disruptions is on the M1 southbound (heading to Dublin) near the Lusk service area, Sean O’Neill from TII said this morning.

Justice Minister says he asked Defence Forces for help

The Department of Justice has asked the Defence Forces for help responding to the protests.

A spokeswoman said Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has confirmed it is well established in law that the Defence Forces may assist An Garda Síochána in aid to the civil power, when requested and when required.

“On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Síochána issues a form C70 to the Defence Forces to request their assistance,” a statement said.

“The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested.

“Large vehicles blocking critical infrastructure will be removed. Owners of those vehicles should remove them immediately this morning and should not complain later about any damage caused to those vehicles during removal.

“Denying people access to fuel and clean water is an unacceptable interference in the most basic of human rights.”

Forecourts could run out of petrol, fuel chief warns

Fuels for Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartland has said the blockade of refineries in Foynes, Galway and Whitegate - through which 50 per cent of all the fuel sold in Ireland goes through - means fuel is not getting to forecourts, Vivienne Clarke reports.

“That means 50 per cent of households in Ireland, 50 per cent of businesses in Ireland, are not going to be able to get fuel if this is allowed to continue,” he told Newstalk Breakfast with Anton Savage.

“I find it interesting that the Taoiseach talks about a national sabotage and then we don’t seem to be responding to that. To me, if you have the head of Government talking about a national sabotage, then that would demand some sort of response from the State.”

McPartland called for greater enforcement from Gardaí in relation to the protests.

He warned that if the blockades continue much longer then soon “scores” of forecourts around the country will run out of fuel. Dublin Port needed to remain accessible, he said, as it supplies Dublin Airport.

Burgh Quay, College Street and Westmoreland Street are blocked in Dublin city centre. People have been advised to allow extra time for journeys or to avoid certain areas if possible.

Delays on M50, M1 and several other routes

Delays have been reported on the M50, M18, M9, M8, M7/N7, M4/N4, M3/N3, M1/N1 and several other routes.

‘Massive disruption’ expected in Dublin

Dublin Bus spokesperson Blake Boland has warned commuters of the “massive disruption” expected again this morning, Vivienne Clarke reports.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Boland said Dublin Bus was creating temporary terminuses around the city which allowed buses run in as far as they could before turning around.

The protesters in the city centre were “splintering out” with two or three people blocking off certain junctions not allowing buses through, he said.

“What we’ve been doing is making diversions on those cross-city routes, but that’s not really possible at this stage, to a large extent. So, what we’re doing now is we’re creating what we might call temporary terminuses.

“We’re running buses from the outskirts of the city in as close as we can get them before they risk them being trapped by the protesters, turning those buses around and operating them back out. And that’s particularly important on those cross-city routes. So it helps us to avoid buses getting trapped in the city centre and, at least, operating as much of that route as we can.”

Boland added that Express services had been cancelled with the purpose of using those resources to “close the gaps”.

A full list of Dublin Bus cancellations and diversions can be read here.

Fianna Fáil TD John McGuinness has said the Government needs to speak to protesters.

“The Government should met with a number of the protesters and resolve the situation once and for all,” he said.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, the Carlow-Kilkenny TD added: “We need to diffuse what’s happening and that’s the Government’s job.”

On the same programme, Social Democrats TD Cian O’Callaghan said the protests “have gone too far, I think it’s counterproductive”.

The Dublin Bay North TD said “targeting working people” by blocking roads and impacting public transport will “alienate” the public, rather than “galvanise” support.

Fuel depots blocked

Access to three major fuel terminals - in Foynes, Galway and Whitegate - is expected to remain blocked today. There are fears some forecourts could run out of fuel.

Fuels for Ireland CEO Kevin McPartlan warned yesterday there was a risk to forecourts’ supply as a result of the protests.

Traffic in Dublin city is expected to be severely disrupted again. O’Connell Street and O’Connell Bridge are closed, as are other roads in the city centre.

Slow-moving convoys are expected on a number of motorways and roads again today.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland has the latest updates on traffic and road closures here.

Disruption caused by rolling nationwide fuel protests are set to enter a third day with public transport companies warning of service disruption due to road closures.

Dublin Bus has said this morning that road closures in Dublin city centre are causing delays and disruptions.

“We wish to advise customers that due to fuel price protests, we are experiencing ongoing severe service disruptions and delays across the Dublin Bus network,” Dublin Bus said in a statement.

Luas commuters also face disruption. Luas Green Line trams are currently not operating between St Stephen’s Green and Dominick due to protesters blocking the tracks at O’Connell Bridge.