‘Frustration’ at fuel prices spills over into national protest

Around 400 vehicles left Navan Retail Park this morning enroute to Dublin to protest against the rising cost of fuel. They were one of a number of convoys, including another from Carrickmacross on the N2, joining up with thousands of others heading for Dublin city centre.

Cllr Shane P O’Reilly (II), who attended the protest in Navan, said the atmosphere was “one of frustration”.

“There was a palpable sense of disappointment mainly,” he described.

Business people are “finding it extremely tough” the Mullagh councillor explained, which was reflected in the “massive crowd” gathered with a “large” number from Cavan, Monaghan and Meath.

Agricultural contractors, recovery lorries, taxi drivers, bus and lorry drivers were among those at the gathering organised by ‘The People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest’ group.

“Just ordinary people,” Cllr O’Reilly said. They were all there to hopefully have their voices heard.

“Everyone is saying the same thing, that the government is not listening.”

Cllr O’Reilly says the plans to increase the Carbon Tax on May 1, from €63.50 per tonne of fuel to €71 per tonne “can’t go ahead.”

“The carbon tax should be abolished for a certain period of time immediately because, if they don’t, the supply chains of this country are going to grind to a halt.”

Meanwhile, Cllr O’Reilly called for a cap on diesel at €1.70 and agricultural diesel at €1 per litre “for six months and see what goes on with the war”.

“The Dáil should have been recalled this week to deal with this issue,” he believes. “It’s absolutely crazy that when the country is supposedly awash with money that we’re still continuing to spend money on vanity projects by government ministers that are not helping the people at home.

“People can’t continue to go on the way they’re going and the backlash is going to be at the ballot box. The government is meant to serve the people, not themselves,” he continued.

“People are not able to heat their homes, they are not able to put their vehicles on the road and businesses are massively struggling. It goes to the consumer at the end of the day, the hauliers and delivery companies and whoever else, they’re passing on the charge to the customers. It’s affecting everybody in the country.”

Household economics

“Household economics trumps national economics at any time because, if a family can’t afford to live well, then there is something seriously wrong with the state.”

“I have to commend all those involved this morning, they were very courteous, very jovial. It’s a peaceful protest but it’s going to send a very strong message to those powers that be.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson from the The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) said they were “aware” of the protest concerning rising fuel costs and pressures facing drivers, agri-contractors and others in the industry.

“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.”

However the spokesperson added: “The IRHA 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.

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

The IRHA spokesperson said they had “a very engaging meeting” with Minister O’Brien last Friday, and will be meeting again “shortly”.

“The Minister has committed to looking at potential options that may need to be deployed. The IRHA is actively involved in ongoing discussions with Government to secure practical, sustainable supports for the haulage sector.”

The IRHA said it believes “dialogue” is the “most effective way to deliver real solutions for our members and the wider industry at this point in time” and “not disruption.”

“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.”