Protesters at Ireland’s only oil refinery in Whitegate, Co Cork, were pepper-sprayed by Gardaí on Saturday as authorities moved to end a days-long blockade amid a nationwide fuel protest crisis.
Around 100 officers, including the Public Order Unit, advanced on demonstrators who had blocked access roads with tractors and vehicles for several days. Following a dispersal order, Gardaí deployed pepper spray to push protesters back roughly 100 feet, allowing military recovery vehicles to tow away blocking machinery and restore access for fuel tankers.
The operation marked a significant escalation. Units from the Defence Forces arrived with heavy-lift equipment to assist in clearing the site. One protester was reportedly removed from a tractor during the confrontation, with some witnesses describing tense scenes as officers advanced in formation.
Despite the use of force and the presence of the Army, protesters have vowed to continue their campaign. The blockade at Whitegate, part of wider actions affecting fuel distribution across Ireland, stems from grievances over rising fuel prices and related economic pressures. Organisers insist the protest will persist even as Gardaí work to secure the critical infrastructure site.
The incident highlights growing tensions between demonstrators and authorities tasked with protecting public safety and maintaining essential fuel supplies. No serious injuries or arrests were immediately reported in the initial clearance phase.
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