An Garda Síochána urge Fuel Protests to engage with local Gardaí

Gardaí are asking fuel protesters to engage with them locally to facilitate public transport and other traffic as they continue to cause significant disruptions.

In a statement An Garda Síochána said these protests have been peaceful but are causing significant disruption across the country.

They have received of emergency workers being delayed or not being able to travel to their work, of people not being able to attend hospital appointments or visit loved ones who are ill. Key public transports routes are also delayed or not operating, which means that employees and businesses are heavily impacted. A small number of fuel depots are also being blocked.

Gardaí have been engaging with protesters in an attempt to mitigate the negative impact these protests are having on the lives of their communities.

There have also been reports of diversion routes put in place which were to facilitate travel around protests being blocked.

They stated they respect and facilitate the right to peaceful protest but they must balance and protect the rights of individuals to travel freely and commercial organisations to conduct business.

An Garda Síochána has no role in permitting or authorising public gatherings or protests and there is no permit required to organise any protest.