Protester says they are willing to close Ireland down over fuel costs
Protester Claims Country Can Be Shut Down to Reduce Fuel Prices
John Dallon, a Kildare farmer, has declared readiness to “close the country” to push for lower fuel costs in the Republic of Ireland. The demonstrations, sparked by rising fuel prices tied to the US and Israeli conflict with Iran, are expected to persist for “weeks,” according to Dallon, who is among the protest leaders.
Travel disruptions in Ireland have stretched into a fourth consecutive day, with vehicles, including tractors, halting traffic on multiple roads. At Dublin Airport, passengers are being urged to arrive earlier due to ongoing blockades, following reports of people carrying luggage along a motorway the previous day.
“Maybe for another week, maybe two weeks. If it takes a month, we are prepared to sit here,” Dallon stated to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, emphasizing the movement’s determination.
Protesters have set up blockades at key fuel terminals, such as Foynes in County Limerick, Galway Port, and the Whitegate Oil Refinery in east Cork. A garda presence is maintained at these sites. Despite the disruptions, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke noted no police action has been taken against the demonstrators yet.
Irish police have engaged extensively with protesters, while the Health Service Executive urged keeping medical facility access clear. The army was deployed on Thursday to remove road-blocked vehicles, with the police classifying protests at fuel depots as “blockades.”
Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and Minister of State Timmy Dooley will consult with representative groups on Friday. Meanwhile, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan warned of “legal consequences” for some protests, stating that driving licenses could face repercussions.
Fuels for Ireland reported 100 garage forecourts have run out of fuel, primarily in Munster and western regions. CEO Kevin McPartlin estimated the number could reach 500 by Friday night, with half of the country’s new fuel supply held behind barricades.
“Farms were impacted two weeks ago,” said Katie Cooney, who traveled from County Cavan to Dublin. “It was €550, now it’s up to €800 for fertiliser. Farms and contractors need support. My college commute will cost 80-100 euro a week.”
Mark Maguire, a Monaghan-Fermanagh border farmer, criticized the fuel cost crisis as unsustainable for his sector, calling for the government to halt fuel taxes.
“I’m compelled to participate after the government threatened to bring the army in,” explained Mark Hegarty, who organized a Bridgend protest. “We chose 19:00 local time instead of rush hour to minimize disruption.”
Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) highlighted closures on major routes, including the M50 northbound and southbound sections, M8 in the southbound direction, and M18/N18 southbound. The affected counties include Clare, Limerick, Tipperary, Laois, Offaly, Kildare, Galway, Cork, and Dublin.
The Middle East conflict has disrupted 20% of the world’s oil trade, contributing to sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. In the Republic of Ireland, diesel has surged from approximately €1.70 to €2.17 per litre.
