The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA) has called for "urgent" government action.

INHFA president Pheilim Molloy has stressed that the current situation has "reached a critical point, with unprecedented numbers of farmers, transport operators and members of the public taking to the streets".

He highlighted that the "root causes of this crisis" must now be urgently addressed.

This follows a meeting of farming stakeholders with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon and Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien yesterday (Friday, April 10).

“The message from our members is clear,” Molloy said.

"These are not abstract challenges - they are immediate, real and placing unsustainable pressure on livelihoods and rural communities.”

Molloy emphasised that resolving the crisis is "firmly within the government’s control" and that a "clear duty of care rests with policymakers to act decisively".

“This is a situation that is within the Government’s power to fix. The time for analysis has passed - what is needed now is meaningful, immediate action," Molloy said.

Proposals

During the emergency meeting, the INHFA put forward a number of proposals aimed at alleviating pressure on farmers and the wider public including:

Immediate suspension of the carbon tax to reduce the cost burden on fuel users;
Reduction of VAT on white diesel and petrol to 13.5% to provide direct relief at the pump;
Full abolition of VAT on green diesel and home heating oil, recognising their essential role in agriculture and rural living;
Introduction of a subsidy on wrapping for round bales, ensuring costs are maintained at 2025 levels and preventing further strain on farm incomes.

Molloy concluded by warning that "continued inaction risks deepening the crisis and further destabilising rural economies".

“The time has come for decisive intervention," he said.

"These are practical steps that can be implemented immediately.

"It is imperative that the government acts now to restore confidence, support rural Ireland, and address the cost pressures facing all sectors.”

Fuel protests

Fuel protests around the county have entered a fifth day, and have resulted in significant numbers of forecourts already either running low or out of stock of fuel by now.

The protests, which began on Tuesday, have seen slow-moving convoys of tractors, trucks, buses and other vehicles and blockades on motorways, roads and ports.

Three national fuel depots at Whitegate Refinery, Shannon Foynes Port and the Port of Galway remain restricted because of blockades, and movement at the three sites is extremely limited.

It is understood that government will be engaging with representatives of the agriculture sector again today, however, stakeholders in the meeting yesterday were apparently told that there will be no supports put forward on fuel prices until blockades end.

Nationwide

Protestors have already outlined plans for Sunday, which would mark a sixth day of action.

In a post to social media, they have said from 11:00a.m tomorrow, they will be "gathering in towns and counties right across Ireland for a peaceful nationwide protest".

"We are asking trucks, tractors, and larger vehicles to assemble safely on the outskirts of the towns and villages, where supporters can then walk peacefully into the main streets and town centres carrying Irish flags and signage in a united show of support," they said.

"This has always been a peaceful protest, and all we want is for our government to listen to the people. This movement is growing stronger every day, and we are not backing down."

Journey delays

Disruption for motorists and to services continues across the country as protests continue.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is advising those travelling on roads that "significant delays to your journey are likely to occur".

"Please use a different route for your journey," it said.

Events due to be held around the country are also being impacted.

Moone Road Run, a tractor run, auction and raffle due to take place in Co. Kildare tomorrow afternoon, has been deferred by the organising committee.

It said this decision was "taken in support of many local individuals and businesses taking part in fuel protests at huge cost to themselves and their families".