'Something has to be done': Cork protesters determined to send a message on fuel prices

Cobh haulier Jason Barry, who drives for Lisa O’Mahony in Innishannon, said: 'This is affecting everybody, not just us, it goes across the board.' Picture: Noel Sweeney

Up to 120 people and more than 40 vehicles spent Thursday blockading outside the Irving Oil Refinery in Whitegate, Cork, determined to send a message to the Government that it must do something about surging fuel costs.

Farmers, hauliers, agricultural contractors, and local residents mingled in a demonstration that had been ongoing since Wednesday night in Cork. Some participants had spent the night sleeping in the cabs of their trucks.

They said that, during the night, up to seven oil trucks were turned away from entering the facility. No fuel trucks attempted to enter throughout Thursday.

By Thursday morning, up to 40 people and a dozen vehicles — including trucks, tractors, buses, and cars — remained outside the facility with drivers stating they were prepared to continue their sit-in throughout another night.

As the day progressed, participant numbers grew with many existing protesters reaching out to friends and family to encourage them to join the blockade.

Protesters were also joined by several local representatives such as Independent Ireland TD Ken O’Flynn, Aontú councillor Peter O'Donoghue, Independent councillor Albert Deasy, and Independent councillor Alan Coleman.

Cobh-based truck driver Jason Barry told the Irish Examiner that protesters had to “make a stand" against rising fuel costs.

“This is affecting everybody, not just us, it goes across the board — something has to be done,” said Mr Barry.

“We don’t want to cause trouble, but we’re going to stay here as long as possible. 

If we get shifted, we’ll only be back again

Whitegate-based farmer Kate Manning said she is hopeful that the Government will “listen to us and put the price of fuel down as much as possible”.

“It’s not fair what's happening to people on the ground, the prices are making it impossible,” said Ms Manning.

“It’s just not right, a lot of people won’t be able to survive the next few weeks and months, so it needs to stop.” 

Hauliers continue to protest outside Whitegate Oil Refinery in Cork. Picture: Noel Sweeney

Following a statement by justice minister Jim O’Callaghan that the Defence Forces would be deployed to clear blockades across the country, participants doubled down on their commitment to the protest.

Mourneabbey-based construction contractor Paul O’Riordan said the group’s stance was “to remain peaceful and not do anything that’s going to harm any individual”.

“If the Defence Forces show up, we will be fully compliant with them,” said Mr O’Riordan.

“If they start pulling trucks and arresting people, we’ll cross the road and fold our arms.

“Everybody here is at the point of breaking, this was the straw that broke the camels back. Nobody wants to not be working, so hopefully this will play out very quickly.” 

Bandon-based agricultural contractor Mark Troy said the aim of the protest is “to get the Government to sit down and talk, that’s all we want”.

“We need to come up with some a solution to the problem, because what is going on at the moment is not sustainable.” 

As early evening approached, protesters said they were prepared to commence a slow-moving convoy towards Midleton roundabout in the event that the Defence Forces arrived and forced participants to move away from the refinery.