More than 100 forecourts across the country are currently without fuel the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) heard today (Friday, April 10).

However the group has also been warned that this figure could rise to 500 as fuel price protests - which included blockades at fuel depots at ports - continue across the country.

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.

The group behind the protests - the People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest - has vowed that the protests will continue until "the government listen to the people of Ireland".

Protesters have called on the government to reduce fuel duties and remove carbon taxes on green diesel.

The NECG, which is made up of major government departments and state agencies who co-ordinate the national response to emergencies, met today to assess the impact of blockades and transport disruption caused by ongoing fuel price protests.

The group was told that the blockades continue to cause "major disruption for the public, pose a threat to supply chains, and to the provision of essential services, including emergency response services and public transport".

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

Fuel price protests

The NECG also heard that there is growing concern from international shipping companies about the ability to offload stock at some Irish ports because of the protests.

These companies are now "monitoring the ongoing impact of these delays on their operations".

The Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment (DCEE) told the NECG today that it continues to engage closely with the fuel sector.

However the emergency group also heard that fire services across Ireland have had to put in place "contingencies to manage the restricted availability of fuel". 

Fire services are to stop all non-essential activities (for example, training activities), and responses to non-life threatening call-outs will be restricted in order to preserve fuel.

Fuel purchases

The NECG is now urging the public to "only buy the fuel they need".

It has advised people that storing fuel at home or in unsafe locations "presents significant safety risks".

The group has also been briefed again today about the impact of the ongoing protests on people who need to attend hospital or require medical attention.

At today's meeting there were also concerns raised about the impact of the fuel price protests on the agricultural sector particularly in relation to animal feed and fertiliser supplies.

Farmers and others involved in transporting animals have been advised to plan their journey carefully and monitor the situation.

They have also been warned to have "contingency plans in place for delays, ensure adequate resources including carrying enough water, feed and appropriate drinking equipment".