Gardaí warn fuel protesters face enforcement as blockades target critical infrastructure

Shawna Coxon, the Deputy Commissioner for Operations, said the protests had evolved into blockades, citing efforts to prevent access to the Whitegate oil refinery and depots in Galway and Foynes.

“It is clear that some people have significantly escalated an already difficult situation by targeting critical infrastructure such as fuel depots and refineries. These are no longer protests. They are blockades,” Ms Coxon said.

“These blockades are putting at risk supplies of food, fuel, clean water and animal feed. These are critical for the nation and its people. This is not tolerable, and it is against the law.”

Ms Coxon said the “wilful obstruction” of roads and blocking the movement of people and vehicles are offences under several laws.

“As part of our well established, graduated policing response in dealing with protests, An Garda Síochána is now moving to an enforcement phase in relation to those impacting on critical infrastructure, unless they decease, desist and disperse from these blockades.”

Ms Coxon said if blockades of critical infrastructure do not cease, protesters will face the “full rigours of the law”.

She said protesters had been advised yesterday they were “severely impacting” people’s lives, particularly emergency workers and individuals requiring visits to hospitals.

Ms Coxon confirmed Gardaí had formally requested the assistance of the Defence Forces to clear protests.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Paul Cleary said the protests are moving into a different phase, adding there are issues with accessing chemicals for water treatment.

“Our appeal is those people behind these blockades to think of their fellow citizens in this regard and engage fully with us,” Mr Cleary said.

“We have to have access to national critical infrastructure.”

Asked if motorways fell under critical infrastructure, Ms Coxon said this would be assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on what is being transported.

Ms Coxon added there would be arrests today if required.

Asked if she was concerned about violence arising, Ms Coxon said: “It always factors in. We have to look at things along the continuum.

“I would say, out of respect for the protesters, thus far there has not been violence. We would ask and respect that that remain the case.”