Government accuses fuel price protesters of holding nation 'to ransom' in 'act of national sabotage'

Traffic from the port at Ringaskiddy, Cork, was stopped and commuters and buses travelling to and from Carrigaline experienced significant delays on Wednesday as the fuel price protest continued on the N28. Picture: Larry Cummins

Forecourts across the country could start running out of petrol and diesel as early as Thursday as nationwide protests against the cost of fuel enter their third day.

The Government has accused the protestors of holding the country to "ransom" in an "act of national sabotage".

On Wednesday night, Fuels for Ireland claimed forecourts could run out of fuel as early as Thursday because terminals in Cork, Galway, and Limerick are being blocked by protestors.

Its chief executive, Kevin McPartlan, told the Irish Examiner the blocking of the Whitegate oil refinery in Cork, as well as two depots in Galway and Foynes has “locked up” 50% of the country’s fuel.

He said in particular the blockages at the Whitegate refinery could lead to the city’s busier forecourts struggling to meet demand.

As Taoiseach Micheál Martin insisted that the Government will not give in to the protesters' demands, justice minister Jim O’Callaghan told gardaí it is “essential that our ports and fuel depots remain open and fully accessible”.

Mr Martin said the Whitegate blockade was an "act of national sabotage".

"It makes absolutely no sense in the fuel crisis we are currently facing. It is beyond belief that people would seek to deny people around the country access to vital fuels,” Mr Martin said.

Protests are expected to ramp up on Thursday, with groups warning that their demonstrations will target all parts of the country. 

Several slow convoys are expected to hit motorways from 7am.

Junior transport minister Seán Canney said the Government is concerned about the blockage of fuel terminals, adding that people “need to just stand back, reflect on their actions, and just think about the common good here”.

“What's the purpose of doing this? It’s a ransom. People need to understand that what's happening here is not in the national interest. It's not in the people's interest," he said.

The Taoiseach said that the Government will not engage with the protesters and will only speak to “properly constituted representative organisations”.

In a warning shot to protesters, he said they would be fined for blocking roads and fuel depots.

“There’s no justification whatsoever for blockading fuel depots,” Mr Martin said. 

It runs counter to what everybody wants, which is access to fuel on a timely basis. 

"There's always a balance when there is protest. 

"We are in a democracy. We respect people's right to protest. 

"But what is not acceptable is people declaring that, ‘We will turn O’Connell St into a car park’.

“Anybody who just simply parks a truck in the middle of nowhere, there should be penalties, and there will be penalties in terms of any violations of various laws that apply there.”

Mr O’Callaghan met with gardaí on Wednesday, telling them it is “essential that our ports and fuel depots remain open and fully accessible”.

“No one is above the law, and those breaking the law should know that there are consequences for unlawful activity,” he said.

He added that while the Government respects the right to protest, it “must be exercised lawfully and must respect the rights of others to earn a livelihood or to move freely”.

One Government source said gardaí have been told they are permitted to exercise their powers to move people on.

In a statement, a spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said gardaí were continuing to engage with individuals protesting across the country.

The Irish Examiner understands that the gardaí have not yet reached the “enforcement” step of its graduated policing plan and is continuing to “engage”.

Several ministers have told the Irish Examiner that there is enough fuel supply in the country, but Fuels for Ireland's warning will be of concern. 

Protests are expected to ramp up on Thursday, with groups warning that their demonstrations will target all parts of the country. Picture: Larry Cummins 

While the National Oil Reserve Agency has an average of 90 days of fuel in stock, this is the “last resort” and would only be used if all other supplies stop coming into the country. 

It noted that there has been a continuous supply in recent weeks.

Transport and environment minister Darragh O'Brien said that the issue is not a supply one, but rather access.

"Access to fuel is essential for our citizens and businesses, and there is no underlying fuel shortage — this disruption is being caused by a small group of protesters," he said.

Ministers have also discussed the rollout of a €1m advertising campaign from the Department of the Environment. 

This will be rolled out across three phases, with the first advising people how to conserve energy and containing tips such as switching suppliers, potentially rolling out as soon as this weekend.

A second phase will focus on longer-term measures like retrofitting, while a third phase, coming into winter, would advise people what supports are available.

There is also growing concern that people with other nefarious intentions could hijack these protests, as Dublin Fire Brigade reported difficulties moving around Dublin City Centre.