A protest related to fuel costs, organised by a non-profit group, is planned for several Irish roads tomorrow (April 7).

According to a social media post by Athlone Stands Together (AST), “convoys” of protestors will gather at 7:00a.m in the following spots:

M1 Convoy: Castlebellingham Services;
N2 Convoy: Ardee - Carrickmacross Link;
N3 Convoy: Virginia Service Area, Clonee Side;
N4 Convoy: Enfield Services;
M7 Convoy: Junction 14;
N11 Convoy: Ashfield Services North.

Drivers are encouraged by AST to “please obey the direction of protest marshals and keep lane discipline while being mindful of the emergency services”.

Closer to the capital, convoys will be leaving at various times between 8:00a.m and 9:00a.m.

AST has encouraged latecomers and Dublin-based protestors to join at one of the following spots:

The Red Cow;
Liffey Valley;
M50 north services;
Bray northbound merge;
Naas northbound services.

It said: “The intention is for all convoys to merge and form one large convoy into Dublin."

An Garda Síochána said: "It is proposed that convoys of vehicles (including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles) will gather at various locations across the country.

"It is understood that the proposed convoys, potentially slow moving, will travel primarily along National Primary Routes.

"If the convoys materialise and congregate, it is expected that there will be significant additional traffic, including slow-moving vehicles, on the main arteries leading to Dublin and in the vicinity of large urban areas across the country from 0800hrs." 

Haulage Association ‘not involved’

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has clarified that they are not involved in the fuel protest.

In a statement, the IRHA said it “is aware of a protest planned on our roads this Tuesday concerning rising fuel costs and pressures facing drivers, agri-contractors  and others in the transport industry”.

The association “wishes to make it clear that, at this point in time, we are not involved in the organisation of this protest and will not be participating”.

IRHA continued: “We fully understand, empathise with, and share the frustration felt across the sector. Hauliers and transport operators continue to face significant challenges due to increased fuel prices and rising operating costs.

“Our focus remains on constructive engagement with the Department of Transport to deliver supports for our members.”

Department of Transport

The IRHA said that it had a “very engaging meeting with Minister (Darragh) O’Brien last Friday (April 3).

“We are keeping the lines of communication open and working on delivering further supports for our members to mitigate against surging fuel prices. 

“The minister has committed to looking at potential options that may need to be deployed.” 

The IRHA said it is “actively involved in ongoing discussions with government to secure practical, sustainable supports for the haulage sector”.

“We will continue to represent the interests of our members and to work towards further supports that address cost pressures while maintaining the smooth operation of essential supply chains.”