French blockade sees Irish trucks stranded

UP TO 20 Irish truck drivers were yesterday stranded in Cherbourg for the fourth day after French fishermen, angry at high fuel costs, blockaded the port.

The port is one of a number hit by the nationwide protest which has seen the trucks, loaded with meat, vegetables and other produce, unable to leave.

The Irish Road Haulage Association is urging the Department of Transport to pressure the French government into resolving the row. Freight operator Derek Lenehan, who has a lorry with €40,000 worth of potatoes bound for Dublin stuck at the port, said yesterday he was concerned they will perish if left any longer.

“Somebody is going to have to pay for these potatoes if they are not fit for use,” he said.

Ferry company Celtic Link transported a number of trucks from Rosslare to Cherbourg last Thursday.

Spokesman Paul Tyrell said they were reassured the freight being brought into France would be allowed to leave, but when they arrived only cars and livestock units were permitted through.

“When the ship was leaving we weren’t allowed to load the cargo that was in the port destined for Ireland,” he said. “They refused to let them board the ship. This is nonsensical.”

French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced a €310 million aid package to fishermen after several ports were blockaded in November. However fishermen now say the aid is not enough.