Irish cabinet meeting to be held to discuss ongoing fuel protests

Irish Cabinet Meeting to Address Fuel Protests

Prime Minister Micheál Martin revealed plans for a cabinet session on Sunday to review progress in the current fuel crisis. The meetings, which have been ongoing since Friday, involve government ministers and representatives from farmers and hauliers to finalize a new funding package.

Over 200 fuel stations across the Republic of Ireland have run out of stock, with blockades and protests persisting for a fifth consecutive day. These demonstrations, including slow-moving tractor convoys, have disrupted supply chains and forced critical infrastructure to a standstill.

By Saturday, fuel trucks successfully accessed the Whitegate Refinery in County Cork after a prolonged blockade. Protesters blocking trucks exiting the site were dispersed by gardaí using pepper spray, with support from the Irish Defence Forces. The Garda Commissioner confirmed several arrests during the operation.

“Blockades are illegal and not a legitimate form of protest. We gave these blockaders fair warning that we were moving to an enforcement phase and they chose to ignore it,” said Justin Kelly, the Garda Commissioner.

He also highlighted that fuel tanker drivers have faced intimidation, stressing that threats of serious harm or death carry up to 10 years in prison. “Blockaders must stop disrupting infrastructure and road networks, or face legal consequences,” he added.

Rosslare Europort’s harbour master warned that ferries could be affected by a road blockade near the facility, with port capacity likely to be reached by Sunday afternoon. A nearby protest at Kilrane village has further complicated logistics.

Public transport services have seen major delays, particularly in Dublin, with some routes suspended. Iarnród Éireann noted that the situation could peak late Sunday or early Monday, urging travelers to adjust their schedules for airport connections.

An Garda Síochána has declared an “exceptional event” to increase officer availability, while the National Emergency Coordination Group reported growing strain on emergency vehicle fuel supplies, including ambulances and fire services.

“The blockades have placed the country on the edge of a supply crisis, with oil potentially being withheld from the nation,” stated Taoiseach Micheál Martin during a Saturday address in Dublin.

Sinn Féin’s Mary Lou McDonald accused the government of exacerbating the situation, calling for dialogue with protesters to end the blockades. The crisis stems from a Middle East conflict that disrupted 20% of the world’s oil trade via the Strait of Hormuz.

Diesel prices in Ireland have surged from around €1.70 to €2.17 per litre, while petrol has risen by 25 cents at many stations. The protests began on Tuesday, causing widespread disruption across the transportation network.