Truckers block Dublin streets in protest over high fuel prices

Streets in Dublin have been blocked by a group of truckers and hauliers protesting against high fuel prices.

Police say the demonstration, mounted by a group calling itself The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest, has caused little issue overall, apart from in the city’s port area, where there is considerable disruption.

The group had threatened to bring “complete lockdown” to the Irish capital on Monday, but there was little sign of that by mid-morning.

Port area affected

The entrance to Dublin Port and the Port Tunnel was heavily congested, while East Link toll bridge and East Wall Road were blocked with trucks and trailers.

The usually busy roundabout outside the 3Arena was also blockaded with trucks, causing the closure of North Wall Quay.

Some truck drivers involved in the protest remained in their parked cabs while others stood in groups on the road.

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Videos posted to the group’s Facebook page showed officers trying to persuade them to leave.

Some of the protesters were issued with fixed penalty notices by police.

Many of the vehicles carried banners with the slogan #Irishfuelprotest, with others calling for the resignation of Transport Minister Eamon Ryan.

There were plans for slow-moving convoys of vehicles to travel along a number of motorways into Dublin city centre but a planned rally in O’Connell Street did not happen.

Last year’s protests

The group behind the protest held two demonstrations in the capital before Christmas which led to significant traffic problems.

The organisation said it was made up of a group of “truck companies struggling to stay afloat”, but was not linked to the official Irish Road Haulage Association.

The group has said its protests will continue until its demands are met and had urged participants to “come prepared for at least one week, maybe even two”.

‘Complete lockdown’

In a Facebook post, the group said: “Dublin will be in complete lockdown and for as long as it takes untill (sic) our demands are agreed upon by Government!”

“We are a group of truck companies struggling to stay afloat and have come together, along with farmers, bus companies, taxis and the general public to protest as the price of being in business and the cost of living is not affordable.

“We are all in crisis.

“It’s atrocious the situations families are going to find themselves in, choosing between food, heat and transport,” the post said.

“WE ARE NOT MOVING! Come join by foot, bicycle, car, van, truck! This is for everyone and everyone is welcome,” it said on Facebook at around 11am.

The group stated it wanted a peaceful protest and apologised in advance for inconvenience caused.

They have called for price caps on petrol, diesel and home-heating fuel and the scrapping of the carbon tax.

Motorists had been warned about possible disruption and the city’s streets were largely deserted on Monday morning.

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