The Army is set to be deployed to clear roads and depots that have been blocked by protesters opposing rising fuel costs, according to the Justice Minister.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan stated that large vehicles obstructing key infrastructure will be removed with the assistance of the Defence Forces, reports The Mirror.
“The Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has confirmed that it is well established in law that the Defence Forces may assist An Garda Siochana in aid to the civil power, when requested and when required,” a statement said on Thursday, reports The Mirror.
“On each occasion that the support of the Defence Forces is required, An Garda Siochana issues a form C70 to the Defence Forces to request their assistance. The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested. Large vehicles blocking critical infrastructure will be removed, reports The Mirror.
“Owners of those vehicles should remove them immediately this morning and should not complain later about any damage caused to those vehicles during removal. Denying people access to fuel and clean water is an unacceptable interference in the most basic of human rights,” reports The Mirror.
Disruption entered a third consecutive day on Thursday as demonstrations continued across Dublin and other regions of the country.
Several motorways and key routes have been obstructed by protesters, including the M1 southbound at Junctions 5 and 6 near Balbriggan, a major route leading to Dublin Airport, reports The Mirror.
The M1 is also shut southbound at Junction 4 in Donabate. In addition, closures have been reported on the M8 from Junction 10 towards the N24, as well as on the M20 between Junctions 4 and 3. Further disruptions have occurred on the M9 in Kilkenny between Junctions 9 and 8.
On Wednesday, tensions escalated further with the blockading of fuel depots and the Whitegate oil refinery in Co Cork, an action described by Taoiseach Micheal Martin as “an act of national sabotage”, reports The Mirror.
Mr Martin also said it was “not acceptable” to turn Dublin’s main street, O’Connell Street, “into a car park” as protesters used tractors to heavily congest traffic in the city centre.
Dublin Fire Brigade reported delays in responding to emergency incidents due to the ongoing protests, reports The Mirror.
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