AS a nationwide fuel protest enters its third day today, organisers are warning that action will continue until the government listens to the people of Ireland.
Farmers, transport companies, fishermen, hauliers, and families are united against a burden of crippling fuel prices, rising costs and endless taxes.
‘The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices’ have been organising convoys around the country through localised Whatsapp groups, drumming up collective support locally and further afield.
The protests began on Tuesday, which saw a major feeder convoy leave from Letterkenny to Sligo at 6.15am. Letterkenny bus operator McGettigan Travel had issued a rallying call on the farming and transport sectors to join them in taking part in a show of solidarity over the impact the fuel crisis is having on all their livelihoods.
The Donegal/Letterkenny feeder gathered at 6am at Tesco car park on Port Road, before departing at 6.15am.
Speaking ahead of today’s protest, a spokesperson for ‘The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices’ said: “We are asking everyone who is not driving in the convoys to come out and support us from bridges, roadsides, town approaches, and safe public areas, waving Irish flags in solidarity.
“Show the country that the people are united.”
An Garda Siochána was notified of today’s protest, and are aware of the planning convoy routes and meeting points across the country.
They have said that while the protests have been peaceful, they are causing “significant disruption”, particularly for emergency workers who are being delayed or not able travel to their place of work.
UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY
People attending hospital appointments or visiting ill loved ones are also being affected, gardaí have said.
Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said that while the government is “well aware” of the pressures on people from increased costs, he said democracy “cannot be dictated by an un-elected group whose actions are now damaging the Irish public”.
He said: “No one is above the law and those breaking the law should know that there are consequences for unlawful activity.”