WATCH: Slow-moving convoy brings traffic to standstill near Athlone

Supporters and activists involved in the national fuel protest in Athlone continued their slow-moving convoys today (Thursday) for their third day of action against rising fuel costs.

Traffic on the M6 outside of Athlone was brought to a standstill as the convoy made its way from the M6 service station located between exit 7 and 8.

It comes as the Government has condemned the protests as "wrong", with the HSE and An Garda Siochana all making statements earlier in the day.

The protests have been organised by a group called 'The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest' which was set up in recent weeks as fuel prices began to rise amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Yesterday (Thursday) petitions began to circulate in the protest group to appoint spokespersons who host discussions with the Government, which called on the Defence Forces to provide assistance to Gardai in removing large vehicles from blocking vital infrastructures.

This week's protests have brought towns, cities and major road networks to a virtual halt.

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