Simon Taaffe

Duffy's Rallying Cry: "Get to Dublin in the Morning" – Fuel Protesters Demand Reinforcements as City Centre Remains Paralyzed Traffic in Dublin city centre remains heavily disrupted this evening due to ongoing road closures from a large-scale protest against rising fuel prices, including high carbon tax and excise duties. Green Line Luas trams are not operating between Beechwood and Dominick due to the march blocking the tracks at O'Connell Bridge. Dublin Bus has also reported significant disruptions to services because of the road closures. Tractors, lorries, and trucks converged on the city centre earlier today, with convoys arriving from multiple routes. Christopher Duffy, one of the prominent voices in the protests, posted a call for continued support: "Anyone who can get to Dublin city in the morning please support the protest, we need foot soldiers, get the bus or the train, we are far from finished yet." An Garda Síochána reported convoys on several major motorways and roads, including the M7 and M4 in Co Kildare, the M7 in Co Limerick, the M8 in Co Offaly, the M3 in Co Meath, the M6 in Co Westmeath and Co Galway, and near Portlaoise in Co Laois. Agricultural contractor Gary Leonard travelled with a convoy of around 80 vehicles from Navan to O'Connell Street. He highlighted the impact of rising costs, saying it now costs €450 to fill an ordinary middle-sized tractor compared to €250 this time last year. He described the public reaction and solidarity along the route as "unbelievable" and said the four-hour journey showed how hard it is becoming for many to make a living in Ireland despite full-time work. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín issued a statement ahead of a planned rally on O'Connell Street, calling for a carbon tax cut and accusing the Government of driving up fuel prices on an essential product that many cannot afford. The Irish Road Haulage Association confirmed it is not officially involved in the protest. President Ger Hyland said the group is negotiating with the Government and empathised with demonstrators, noting that individual hauliers can decide for themselves whether to participate. Outside Dublin, protests caused significant disruption elsewhere: Traffic came to a standstill on the M7 in Limerick. A large convoy of trucks, tractors, and agricultural vehicles left Kennedy Quay in Cork and headed towards St Patrick's Bridge, with plans to split towards Mallow and Ballincollig. Gardaí in Midleton reported an earlier standstill at the Lakeview roundabout on the N25 had cleared. A convoy of heavy goods vehicles, tractors, and buses from Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo descended on Sligo town. Slow-moving traffic was reported on the M7 near Kildare Town and on routes into Dublin from Meath. The protests, involving farmers, hauliers, agricultural contractors, and others affected by fuel costs, are highlighting concerns over the rising price of diesel and petrol and its effect on businesses and families.