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Statement Release: “They’re Starving Us Out” – Fuel Protest Organiser John Dallon Slams Garda Tactics and Urges Public to Contact Ministers and Opposition TDs A leading organiser of Ireland’s fuel price protests has strongly condemned what he described as heavy-handed policing at the Whitegate oil refinery, accusing the authorities of unacceptable violence against peaceful demonstrators. John Dallon, a Kildare farmer and prominent spokesperson for the National Fuel Demonstrations, reacted sharply to Friday’s operation in which Garda public order units used pepper spray and forced removals to clear blockades and allow fuel tankers access to the country’s only oil refinery. “These were shocking tactics from Minister Martin, a man of supposed integrity and intelligence,” Dallon said. “The level of violence was utterly unacceptable dragging men across the ground and pepper spraying them”, He continued that the situation had escalated to the point where the Gardaí were “attempting to starve the people out” by not allowing protesters access to shops for basic supplies. Dallon called for widespread public support in Cork and across the country. He urged people to email and phone government ministers to condemn the actions, and to contact opposition TDs and councillors to come together and back the demonstrations. The protests, now in their fourth day, demand an immediate cap on diesel prices, the removal of carbon tax and excise duties, and genuine engagement with the Government.

An Garda Síochána continues to assist with critical deliveries. A convoy of trucks at Whitegate this morning.