Traffic across Limerick came to a standstill on this morning as protesters brought convoys onto major routes across the city and county.
This was organised by the group ‘The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices.’
The protest comes as a response to the rising cost of fuel since the beginning of the Iranian-American conflict.
This is part of nationwide demonstrations, coinciding with protests in Galway, Dublin and Cork.
The protestors include professional drivers, hauliers, bus operators, farmers, and taxis. They took to multiple routes throughout Limerick, including the N24, Beary’s Cross to Ballysimon, Old Dublin Road’s, Daly’s Cross to Annacotty and on the M20 from Croom to Patrickswell.
“All convoys will create major traffic disruption along the route as part of the protest,” a spokesperson for the group said.
They added “This route is designed to keep pressure on the area while maintaining a strong visible presence throughout Limerick.”
Independent Ireland TD for Limerick County Richard O’Donoghue supported the protest.
He said, “We want the taxation of fuel to be capped for white diesel at €1.70, petrol €1.60 and green diesel 90 cents, to make sure the agriculture sector can supply food.
“This protest is not about the interruption of fuel coming in, this is about the taxation of fuel. At the moment, you are paying 50% tax on fuel.”
Mr. O’Donoghue said that a lane would be left open for emergency services; however, Limerick Voice witnessed complete blockages on the N21 Ballysimon road that included the hard shoulder.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána shared a statement saying, “While An Garda Síochána facilitates peaceful protest, it must also balance the rights of individuals to travel freely and businesses to operate,”