Fuel protests force cancellation of high-level Government trip to Canada

Planned high-level engagements in Ottawa and Toronto called off as disruption from nationwide fuel protests escalates

Taoiseach Micheal Martin speaking to the media in The Courtyard at Government Buildings, Dublin ahead of a leaders' meeting on fuel prices. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire

Micheál Martin and the Government’s planned trade mission to Canada will be cancelled as fuel protests across the country continue, it is understood.

The Taoiseach was due to travel to Canada on Sunday for several days of engagements in Ottawa Toronto, along with trade minister Helen McEntee, higher education minister James Lawless, enterprise minister Peter Burke, agriculture minister Martin Heydon, and junior minister Timmy Dooley

However, the Irish Examiner understands the trade mission will be cancelled.

This included a bilateral meeting between the Taoiseach and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Ottawa on Monday.

Over the course of Friday, it became increasingly unlikely that the delegation would be able to travel.

Sources initially indicated that the Taoiseach and Mr Heydon were unlikely to travel. However, sources then questioned whether Ms McEntee would be able to go given her responsibilities for defence.

More to follow...