Army will be deployed if protests block critical infrastructure during EU presidency, minister says

Foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee said she did not believe that blocking motorways is 'an acceptable form of protest'

An army heavy-lift recovery truck and garda vans are used to block the main road into Whitegate, Co Cork, in April. The foreign affairs minister is anxious to avoid such scenes during Ireland's presidency of the EU. Picture: Larry Cummins

Ireland's presidency of the EU will be "safe and secure", but army trucks will be used to move blockades of critical infrastructure, the foreign affairs minister has said.

Ireland assumes the presidency of the EU this week and there has been some speculation that the use of Ireland's cities to host EU officials would see repeats of fuel price protests which saw fuel infrastructure blockaded in April.

At the Government Trade Forum, Helen McEntee said she believes Ireland's holding of the presidency for six months will be safe, but added that gardaí would react should critical infrastructure be blocked.

“Presidency or no presidency, the government and An Garda Siochana, are not going to stop people from protesting peacefully, it’s part of our democracy."

Ms McEntee added that she did not believe that blocking motorways is "an acceptable form of protest" and said Defence Forces machinery could be called upon again if necessary.

“That was the kind of support that was provided for the most part, and An Garda Siochana have the responsibility to respond to and deal with protests and anything that may escalate in that regard.

“I have no doubt that a similar approach will be taken if anything happens,” she said.

Ms McEntee said beyond any protests, it is important that members of government engage with those most impacted by the cost of fuel.

"I think we need to engage, we need to work with people, and I know that my colleagues, particularly in transport and finance, in agriculture, and across a number of different sectors, are engaging extensively with those most impacted by the cost of fuel, most impacted in recent months to see what next steps need to be taken, and how we incorporate that into the budget."

The minister added that the EU is working on a number of moves which could see cheaper energy prices and these could be progressed during Ireland's presidency.

"What success looks like with this presidency is getting key and important files across the line. It is making sure from the competitiveness perspective, from security and other areas as well, that we are delivering, but it's also communicating what we're doing effectively with people, particularly on the area of fuel prices."

Asked if she believes Ireland has the capability to ensure that EU leaders and officials are kept safe, Ms McEntee said the presidency had been planned for "for years".

“I think we’re not immune to risks, the same as any other country is not, but I can safely say, and I’m happy to say, that we have put in place a huge amount of work."

• Paul Hosford is deputy political editor of the Irish Examiner