The blockade at Galway Docks has ended, while trucks and tractors that were blocking O’Connell Street in Dublin were cleared this morning (Sunday).
A large number of Public Order gardaí were deployed to both locations last night. Defence Force vehicles are at the scene in Galway this morning, clearing access for lorries to pass through. Meanwhile, under Garda escort, a large convoy of vehicles left Dublin’s O’Connell Street.
However, the standoff over fuel prices in Kilkenny and Carlow shows no sign of easing this morning as protests enter a sixth day of disruption. Locally, there are ongoing blockades on the M9 at Danesfort (northbound lane), the Castledermot exit into Carlow, and the M8. Traffic on the Waterford Road into Kilkenny city is heavy as a result.
Groups gathered at both Kilkenny and Carlow retail parks before moving into the town centres. There are also reports of a gathering of bikers at The Parade in Kilkenny.
Here’s Carlows protest.
Despite the disruption, the Castleinch Sunday Market is proceeding as planned.
Local businesses are feeling the impact, with reports of a sharp decline in trade across both Kilkenny and Carlow. Uncertainty surrounding fuel availability at local pumps has led to a noticeable downturn, with hotels and restaurants reporting a high volume of cancelled bookings.
Kilkenny man and President of the ICMSA, Denis Drennan, who took part in talks with the Government yesterday, described the discussions as robust. However, he emphasised that any measures agreed upon to support struggling farmers and hauliers must be implemented immediately rather than delayed.
“They haven’t given us any details as regards how it’s going to be distributed, how much it’s going to be, when it’s going to be available.” said Denis.
“But we urge them that there’s a huge issue on farm level there, that people are hemorrhaging money at farm level because of the cost of fuel and the fact that we’re selling our product below the cost of production. So we need to get something to happen immediately, not in six months’ time.” he added.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet is set to meet this afternoon to finalize a support package for hauliers, farmers, coach operators, and the fishing industry in an effort to end the nationwide unrest.
