Dublin Bus services are experiencing disruptions and diversions across the city centre this afternoon due to road closures caused by an ongoing protest.
Protesters on the M7 on the outskirts of Limerick have indicated they will stand down and move their vehicles if the Government agrees to reduce fuel prices through tax cuts, reports RTE.
Approximately 80 trucks, lorries and tractors are stationed on the motorway near Junction 18 at Ballysimon. Many remained in their vehicles overnight and intend to do so again tonight.
The protesters have expressed that they do not wish to obstruct traffic and have apologised to members of the public who have been affected by their actions, reports RTE.
However, they have made clear they have no intention of leaving unless their demands are met.
Minister of State for Road Transport Seán Canney confirmed that the Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon is scheduled to meet with farmers’ representatives on Friday, reports RTE.
“We know that the issues we have to look at are diesel … and the supply of fertiliser going forward,” he said.
He noted that the conflict in the Middle East has been evolving by the hour and that fuel prices have continued to climb since the Government introduced excise duty measures last month, reports RTE.
He further stated that fuel at the pump would be 22% more expensive for diesel and 17% more expensive for petrol had those measures not been put in place.
“We are constantly looking at what is happening to try to evaluate and do the analysis, both from supply chain management and from the cost and how we can support people, reports RTE.
“If the forecourt doesn’t have diesel or petrol tomorrow morning, that is of no use to anybody,” he said.
Addressing the protesters directly, Minister of State Seán Canney urged them to reflect on why they were disrupting one another and to consider who was truly being harmed by such actions, reports RTE.
“We have to be working together when we have a crisis that we are facing which is coming from outside of our control,” he said.
Minister Canney conveyed that while he acknowledges the protesters’ concerns, he urged them to “please step down on what they are at, for the sake of the country,” reports RTE.
He expressed hope that protesters “see sense”, adding that they are “causing hardship for people heading to work.”
Minister of State Seán Canney stated that the Government fully recognises energy affordability as the most urgent challenge currently facing the country, reports RTE.
He revealed that ministers held a meeting that morning to examine the fuel supply chain and to consider various scenarios for the months ahead.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News At One, Minister Canney said he would be meeting the Irish Road Hauliers Association later that day, reports RTE.
“They have issues, they are bringing forward proposals,” he said.
“We need to have a coherent response, reports RTE.
“I am from the country, I understand farmers and their issues. I understand what they are facing at the moment,” he added, reports RTE.
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