Motorists warned to brace for traffic chaos as hauliers distance themselves from protest

Gardaí said they were 'aware' of the planned protests and noted that should the convoys materialise, there will be “significant additional traffic, including slow-moving vehicles, on the main arteries leading to Dublin” from 8am. File picture

Multiple areas across the country may face traffic chaos from 7am on Tuesday, with drivers instructed to travel slowly in convoys while adhering to any requests from the emergency services.

Industry leaders and hauliers claimed the planned day of protests against fuel prices has “absolutely nothing” to do with them, but say they empathise with the sentiment behind the move.

Gardaí say they have no certain knowledge of whether such protests will actually materialise, given they have been organised informally primarily over social media.

Protest assembly points for the action include the M1 motorway at Castlebellingham, the N2 at Ardee/Carrickmacross, the N3 at Virginia in Cavan, and the M7 junction 14 at Monasterevin in Laois.

Organisers said the intention is that the various convoys should all converge before heading for Dublin’s city centre.

In Cork, convoys are planned between 7.30am and 10.30am on routes around Ballincollig, Watergrasshill, Midleton, Mallow, Macroom and across West Cork, including several runs to and from the Jack Lynch Tunnel.

It is unclear which group or groups are behind the planned day of protests, or how likely it is that the actions will happen on the scale described on social media.

Gardaí said they were “aware” of the planned protests and noted that should the convoys materialise, there will be “significant additional traffic, including slow-moving vehicles, on the main arteries leading to Dublin” from 8am.

They said that given the protests have been planned informally via social media and messaging apps that the force “is not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public at this time”.

A spokesperson said drivers should plan ahead to “leave additional time” for potential disruptions.

The protests have been organised to call for the further reduction of excise duty from the price of petrol and diesel, and the abolition of the carbon tax, as those prices spiral on foot of the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East.

However, several transport industry insiders suggested on Monday evening that the protests could draw on the same sentiment that preceded earlier far‑right rallies. 

One senior source said: “If it’s not already being organised by the far right, then the far right may hijack it, and that’s a big fear that the gardaí have.”

The Coach Tourism and Transport Council said it wished to acknowledge the potential protests, but that it is “not involved in the planning or co-ordination of this protest and we will not be taking part in it”. 

It said any potential protesters should leave bus lanes clear.

Separately, the Irish Road Hauliers Association said it has no involvement in the planned action, but should general motorists “get something from the Government, then good luck to them”.

President of the association Ger Hyland said the protest “has absolutely nothing to do with ourselves” but that it “completely empathise(s)” with the protesters.

Mr Hyland said his remit is “to keep as many hauliers viable in this country as possible”, adding that unless his industry “gets further support, it will fall off a cliff”.

“We did get help from Government two weeks ago but that has long since eroded,” he said. 

“We were back at the table last Friday and have a commitment they’ll work with us over the coming week.”