Irish Government Finalising Fuel Package Deal
The Irish Government has announced the completion of a fuel support initiative, following a day of discussions with haulage and farming sector representatives. This comes after several days of road closures due to protests against rising fuel prices, which have been linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The blockades, involving slow-moving convoys of vehicles, including tractors, have disrupted travel in parts of the Republic for the fourth consecutive day.
Officials had previously stated that no additional support measures would be revealed until protesters lifted their blockades. A weekend of continued talks between ministers and stakeholders is anticipated, with Tánaiste and Finance Minister Simon Harris emphasizing the importance of a “substantial and significant” aid plan for “key sectors of the economy.” During a conversation with RTÉ, Harris noted the negotiations were progressing smoothly, though he stressed the need for the blockades to conclude.
“The blockade has to end,” Harris said, highlighting the urgency of resolving the crisis. Earlier, Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned that the ongoing disruptions risk leaving the country “on the precipice of turning oil away” amid a global supply shortage.
Traffic on the M1 was disrupted as protesters closed the motorway near Dundalk, causing long delays, RTÉ reported. Vehicles blocked both lanes at the Carlingford junction, forcing queues that stretched across the border with Northern Ireland. The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) noted that emergency services, such as ambulances and fire trucks, are facing “increasing pressure” in securing fuel, as they depend on retail stations via fuel cards.
In a joint statement, health ministers criticized the blockades, calling the threat to patient safety “completely unacceptable.” They urged protesters to “reflect on their actions and cease the restriction of access to critical fuel infrastructure immediately.” Farmers and service station operators have also voiced concerns, with Kildare farmer John Dallon stating the protests could last “maybe for another week, maybe two weeks” if necessary.
“If it takes a month, we are prepared to sit here,” Dallon added, noting he was denied entry to a meeting despite being invited. He expressed hope that proposed solutions would address the crisis.
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald accused coalition parties of mishandling the situation, stating: “What on earth are Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael doing locking the protesters out of the talks?” Meanwhile, Mary Burke, a manager of a service station, shared that a petrol supply intended to last four to five days was depleted within seven hours. A second delivery on Friday included a €30 (£26) cap, leaving uncertainty about future stock.
“I’m 100% going to run out of fuel before Monday,” Burke warned, adding that her business is “providing a service” without profit and that staff will face challenges as the crisis continues.
The Chief Executive of Home and Community Care Ireland described the strain on workers who rely on cars for client visits. Staff in regions like the mid-west, Cork, and Kerry have reported difficulties accessing fuel, with some calling for ambulances daily due to mobility issues. The army was deployed on Thursday to clear road blockades, with police labeling the protests at fuel depots as “blockades.”
