Ireland Calls Emergency Cabinet Meeting Over Fuel Cost Protests

https://fed.brid.gy/r/https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news-corner/ireland-calls-emergency-cabinet-meeting-over-fuel-cost-protests/

undefined | Buses ‘trapped’, Luas disruption and massive travel headaches as protests block Dublin; fear of pumps running dry in west as oil depots targeted

Fuel‑price protests have now spread across Ireland, with slow‑moving convoys of hauliers, farmers and contractors blocking major routes in Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Cork and other towns. O’Connell Street and the adjacent bridge in the capital were shut down, trapping buses and halting Luas services, while fuel depots at Foynes, Galway and the Galway port were sealed off, raising fears that pumps in the west could run dry. The blockades have also forced diversions on the N21, Ballysimon Road, the Macroom bypass and other key arteries, creating severe travel headaches for commuters and threatening supply chains nationwide.

Protesters argue that soaring diesel costs have pushed their operating expenses to unsustainable levels – a heavy‑duty tractor now costs €700 to fill, an increase that some claim adds up to €70,000 in monthly diesel bills for larger operations. Their demands centre on a cap on agri‑diesel (165‑170 c per litre for white diesel and 90 c for green diesel), the abolition of the carbon tax and excise duty on diesel, and a broader price‑cap on petrol and diesel. Many plan to remain in their vehicles overnight, saying they cannot afford to “go home” until the government offers tangible relief, and they warn that continued blockades could cripple the economy, especially in the west where fuel supplies are already constrained.

The government has responded with a series of high‑level meetings and public statements. Tánaiste Simon Harris said officials are working “hour by hour” on energy security, confirming that transport and agriculture ministers have met with hauliers and farming bodies. While the state stresses that national fuel stocks remain robust, it acknowledged the immediate impact of the Galway blockade and is considering intervention to keep port access open. Ministers have also noted a recent €6 million rise in excise‑duty receipts from higher fuel prices, but maintain that broader economic measures are needed, urging protesters to engage through conventional channels rather than disruptive actions.

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The #HerzogPark row in #Rathgar, #Dublin is using a lot of #iepol bandwidth. Even #SimonHarris and #MicheálMartin have weighed in, both looking ill-briefed.

The best account iI have seen is this thread on #Twitter / #X by #GarySpedding: https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1994994293606375643.html

Spedding rightly notes that this small suburban park is getting way too much attention and was an odd fight to pick. But he is on top of the long backstory. He notes how this a well-reasoned campaign, and definitely not #antisemitism.

Aw, bless 😀 The #TikTokTanaiste has taken up comedy. 😂🤣
Heather Humphreys’s campaign is growing “day by day”, Tánaiste #SimonHarris has said, as he rejected a suggestion she was doomed. 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

#CatherineConnollyForPresident has almost double Heather Humphreys's share in the opinion polls. Even the #IrishTimes acknowledges that only an "earthquake" would defeat Connolly.

screenshot from https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2025/10/17/presidential-election-live-catherine-connolly-and-heather-humphreys-face-next-debate/#54232