Gardai say level of disruption from Tuesday morning fuel protests 'uncertain'

An Garda Síochána said it's aware of proposed fuel cost protests on roads in various parts of the country early tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, but it said it's not in a position to assess what level of travel disruption may be caused as a result.

However it has advised people travelling on national primary routes tomorrow morning to allow extra time for their journeys in the event of delays.

Messages circulating on social media have called for vehicles to take part in a protest against the rising cost of fuel on Tuesday morning.

Limited detail is given in the notices, but one which has been circulating on social media in the Midlands calls for vehicles to gather outside Athlone, at the Circle K motorway service station, between junctions 7 and 8 on the M6 motorway, for a "7.30am departure".

A statement issued by the Garda press office this evening said: "An Garda Síochána understands it is proposed that convoys of vehicles, including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles, will gather at various locations across the country (early on Tuesday).

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

"It is proposed that some of these convoys will remain in regional locations, and some will travel to Dublin to congregate in the Dublin region.

"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 8am.

"An Garda Síochána has had limited interaction with some persons involved in publishing information about these convoys," the Garda statement continued.

"As the majority of the organisation of these convoys is taking place on social media platforms and messaging apps, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public at this time.

"Members of the public travelling on National Primary Routes tomorrow, April 7, are advised to plan their journeys by ensuring they leave additional time for possible traffic disruptions and to expect traffic delays, if congestion is caused as a result of these convoys.

"An Garda Síochána respects the right of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, subject to statutory provisions," the statement added.

"While An Garda Síochána facilitates peaceful protest, An Garda Síochána must also balance and protect the rights of individuals to travel freely and commercial organisations to conduct business."

A statement issued by the Coach Tourism and Transport Council (CTTC) said it wished to acknowledge tomorrow’s protest "in relation to the escalating cost of fuel, caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, and the broader financial strain being experienced across the transport sector".

However, the CTTC said it was not involved in the planning or coordination of this protest, and will not be taking part in it.

"We would ask protestors to keep bus lanes clear so that buses and coaches can move freely around the country and help keep Ireland moving," it said.