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Irish army called in to remove fuel depot blockades
The deployment follows blockades at fuel terminals that supply more than half of Ireland’s fuel, officials and industry leaders said.
On Thursday, Dublin Bus spokesperson Blake Boland confirmed "absolutely massive disruption" across Dublin as fuel protesters occupied major roads for a third consecutive day, impacting commuters and essential travel.
Driven by Middle East conflict, fuel prices surged to about €2.14 a litre for diesel and roughly €1.91 for petrol, prompting demonstrators to demand a price cap as current rates are unsustainable for workers.
Blockades at Foynes, Galway, and Whitegate terminals threaten over 50pc of Ireland's fuel supply, and petroleum officials warned that this critical infrastructure disruption risks halting deliveries to shops, schools, and emergency services.
Justice Minister Jim Callaghan requested Defence Forces assistance to clear routes, stating "blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted," while Garda warned protesters of "consequences for unlawful activity."
Government leaders will meet national representative bodies of contractors and farming organisations on Friday; officials described previous discussions as "constructive" and intend to "keep the situation under review.
Haulers and farmers are blockading fuel depots and disrupting traffic in Ireland. They are demanding the abolition of the diesel tax. The government is threatening to deploy the armed forces. By Gabi Biesinger.