Crunch meeting to be held between Government and protestors to try and bring an end to fuel price protests
A crucial meeting is set to take place later today between Government and representatives of farming, agricultural and haulage industries to discuss the ongoing fuel crisis that has gripped the country with filling stations in some parts of the country including Co Meath, beginning to run dry.
There has been no confirmation that representatives of fuel protesters will also be in attendance although leaders of the blockades of fuel depots and ports and Dublin City centre had reported a 'breakthrough' last night saying they had been invited to the 2.30pm summit.
Minister of State Timmy Dooley told RTÉ's Prime Time last night that the invite was made to official representative bodies only but who they choose to bring is a matter for those bodies to decide.
Also speaking on RTÉ's Prime Time on Thursday night, fuel protest organiser James Geoghegan said there had been "good news tonight" and a "breakthrough" in talks.
He said there will be talks with Government at around 2pm on Friday with the IFA and the official hauliers' association also in attendance along with protest organisers.
He said protesters had been pulled off O'Connell Bridge and that kerosene oil has been released from the refineries.
It's understood the meeting, which is to take place in the Department of Agriculture after lunch today, was organised late yesterday evening.
It will be around table gathering, with Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and Minister Dooley representing the Government.
Farming organisations, the Irish Road Haulage Association, agricultural contractor representatives and other bodies will also be in attendance.
The fuel price protestors have repeatedly said blockades would be lifted if Government leaders agree to meet with them to discuss their demands.
Mr Geoghegan said there will be further disruption tomorrow morning and protesters will be entering Government talks with a "list of demands".
"It's a list of very reasonable demands, we're all mostly self employed people and we can't take the hits that have been put on us," he said.
"Our country needs our own oil and our own security for oil, it's there in the sea, bring it in and use it. We have an ocean full of oil that we don't tap.
"The reality is we actually can't afford to go home. It's as simple as that. My oil bill this year in my business is up €70,000. I can't afford to pay it."
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