Gardaí issue new statement over ‘significant disruption’ caused by fuel protests

Protesters want the carbon tax to be abolished and fuel costs to be 'brought back to an affordable level'.

A response to the recent, much-publicised surge in fuel prices, the protests began on Tuesday (7 April) and are widespread throughout the country, bringing traffic in Dublin City Centre to a standstill.

One of the groups behind the demonstrations, The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest, wrote on social media: "The message is simple: carbon tax must be abolished, and fuel costs must be brought back to an affordable level before more families and businesses are pushed beyond breaking point."

In a new statement, An Garda Síochána said that it is continuing to engage with those involved in the fuel protests around the country, "seeking to work with them to mitigate the negative impact these protests are having on the lives of their communities".

It added that while the protests have been peaceful, they are "causing significant disruption for people in some parts of the country".

"We in An Garda Síochána have received reports of emergency workers being delayed or not being able to travel to their work, of people not being able to attend hospital appointments or visit loved ones who are ill," the statement also read.

"Key public transport routes are also delayed or not operating, which means that employees and businesses are heavily impacted. A small number of fuel depots are also being blocked."

An Garda Síochána said it respects and facilitates the right to peaceful protest, but "must also balance and protect the rights of individuals to travel freely and commercial organisations to conduct business".

As such, it is asking for protestors to "engage with Gardaí locally to facilitate public transport and other traffic".

An Garda Síochána also said it has received reports of the blocking of diversion routes put in place to facilitate travel around protests.

"Again, An Garda Síochána is requesting that protestors engage with Gardaí locally to facilitate important diversion and emergency routes," the statement added.

An Garda Síochána has no role in permitting or authorising public gatherings or protests, and there is no permit required in order to organise any protest.

"Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events involves a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety," An Garda Síochána also noted.

Dublin Fire Brigade have also appealed to all involved in the fuel protests in Dublin City Centre to ensure the free passage of all emergency vehicles, "both on blue lights heading to an emergency and also returning to base to serve their operational area".

The emergency service said it experienced significant delays in its response to emergencies earlier this morning, particularly mobilising from Townsend Street HQ.

It noted that the situation has "eased somewhat", thanks to An Garda Siochana liaising with protesters and clearing routes for the fire brigade's vehicles.

"We continue to work with the other emergency services to ensure operational readiness and emergency access, and we ask all involved to be extra vigilant and compliant when they hear emergency sirens approaching," the statement added.

"Do not wait until the emergency vehicles reach the blockades, please allow the other blocked traffic through in advance, so the route is clear for our vehicles to approach."

The fuel protests are set to continue tomorrow (Thursday, 9 April).

Main image via Rolling News