Travellers told to allow more time for journeys as Irish fuel protests continue

Passengers at Dublin Airport are being urged to add extra time to their travel plans following ongoing fuel protests that have disrupted traffic across parts of the Republic of Ireland for the fourth consecutive day. On Thursday, commuters were observed walking with their luggage along the motorway toward the airport as roads remained gridlocked, prompting the airport to issue a warning about potential delays.

The protests, which began on Tuesday, involve vehicles blocking access to critical infrastructure, with authorities addressing the situation through both negotiation and enforcement. Gardaí (Irish police) have been actively engaging with protesters, while the army was deployed to clear road obstructions. The Irish police classify demonstrations at fuel depots as “blockades,” emphasizing their impact on daily operations.

A spokesperson for the Gardaí stated that the force is transitioning to an enforcement phase unless protesters disperse. This move has raised concerns over disruptions to food, fuel, clean water, and animal feed supplies. Meanwhile, the Irish government has announced meetings with representative groups on Friday, with Minister of State Timmy Dooley noting that invitations were extended but the attendees’ selection remains with the groups themselves.

“It might not arise today or tomorrow but people have licences to drive vehicles, those licences will be affected,” said Irish Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, highlighting the potential legal repercussions for some protest actions.

Fuels for Ireland reported that 100 garage forecourts have exhausted their fuel reserves, primarily in Munster and western regions. Kevin McPartlin, the organization’s chief executive, warned that this number could double by Friday night, with half of the country’s new fuel supply trapped behind barricades.

Mark Maguire, a Monaghan-Fermanagh border farmer participating in the protests, told BBC Radio Ulster that fuel costs are unmanageable for his sector. “There’s not one farmer in Ireland or Northern Ireland that wants to be out protesting. They have enough to do,” he said, urging the government to reduce fuel taxes. Deputy Vice President of the Irish Road Haulage Association, Eugene Drennan, criticized recent “green” policies as overly aggressive, stating his association would not be accompanied by protesters during Friday’s government meeting.

The Middle East conflict has driven up fuel prices, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz halting 20% of the world’s oil trade. Diesel in the Republic of Ireland has surged from €1.70 (£1.48) to €2.17 (£1.89) per litre, while petrol prices have increased by 25 cents at many stations, according to RTÉ. Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the road blockades as “not a fair form of protest,” while Defence Minister Helen McEntee claimed some actions have “crossed into criminal behaviour.”

The Irish Health Service Executive has asked for medical access to remain unobstructed, ensuring patients can reach care without delay. Details of nationwide traffic disruptions can be accessed on the TII website.