Number of trucks to protest in Dublin city centre reduced to 50

The number of trucks taking part in a protest in Dublin city centre - in support of workers at the Quinn Group - has been reduced to 50.

Around 200 other lorries - representing 170 companies - are taking part in a demonstration on the M50 - driving in a loop from the Red Cow Roundabout to the M1 interchage.

The number of trucks taking part in the cavalcade along the North and South Quays - was reduced on safety grounds following consultations with gardaí.

Disruptions are expected to last until lunchtime.

One of the organisers Paddy Clarke said: “We want to make our point but we are also conscious of keeping the disruption to the ordinary public at a minimum.”

The protest was delayed on the N7 after organisers decided to limit disruption for commuters and waited for the rush hour traffic to pass.

Employees at the Quinn Group, who themselves organised a series of public demonstrations over the restrictions to business, distanced themselves from the lorry protest.

“We as Quinn employees appreciate all the support we are getting from the public and customers alike. The rally taking place in Dublin this morning is a completely independent initiative,” a spokeswoman said.

The group of 170 firms involved in the lorry protest were due to hand in a letter at Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s office expressing their dismay at the Government‘s handling of the financial turmoil at Quinn.

They are also demonstrating to encourage regulator Matthew Elderfield to reopen more of Quinn Insurance’s UK business.

After an initial total ban on new UK business, the watchdog gave the go-ahead last week for the company to sign up new provisional drivers.

It is feared about 1,000 employees could lose their jobs because of the limitations on the insurance wing’s operations.

A spokeswoman for the protesters said Quinn Insurance and its workers had been treated disgracefully over the last four weeks.

“The Government needs to realise the far-reaching impact the Financial Regulator’s decision will have,” she said.

“There are businesses all over the country who rely on the Quinn Group in order to maintain trading, particularly during the toughest financial climate of our lifetimes.”