A fifth day of nationwide fuel protests is getting underway as another key meeting prepares to take place later.
Following discussions which spanned five-hours yesterday, Ministers and representatives from the haulage and farming industries are due to meet at 1 o’clock to negotiate a new package of supports.
Around a third of the country’s 1,600 filling stations are out of petrol and diesel with some of the remaining imposing a maximum amount that can be purchased.
An Garda Síochána has declared the gatherings an ‘exceptional event’, allowing for the cancellation of rest days and leave, and the deployment of extra resources.
Ger Hyland, the Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) President, says people have legitimate reasons to protest.
While the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) President, Francie Gorman, claims there were no proposals put on the table from the Government at the meeting – which isn’t good enough.
Participants are out again this morning – gathering in county Kilkenny is at Knocktopher from 9am with stagings on the M9 at Danesfort while those from Carlow were meeting at Junction 4, Castledermot, at 7am.
Dublin airport is urging passengers travelling to and from the airport to allow for extra time due to the fuel protests.
The DAA says roads around the airport are open, and is advising people to check live traffic apps to find the quickest route.
Added to that those set to travel for medical or other appointments are advised to allow for extra journey time.
For traffic updates stay tuned and see here.
