Fuel Price Protest Day Four: Ministers To Meet With Haulage And Farming Reps

Demonstrators continue across the midlands today.

The Taoiseach says fuel protesters are not speaking for the people of Ireland and should stand down their action across the country.

Ministers have been meeting haulage, farming and employer groups this evening, promising increased fuel supports - but only if the blockades are ended. 

A number of protesters were denied entry to the meeting earlier. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin says the Government will engage with legitimate sectoral interest groups:

The Transport Minister says he isn't going to dictate who can attend a key meeting of stakeholders to discuss the fuel protests.

Darragh O'Brien says a new package of measures to ease the burden on hauliers, farmers and transport operators is being worked on. 

Some protesters say they have been invited to that meeting - though that has been denied by the Department of Agriculture, which is hosting the gathering at 2pm. 

Minister O'Brien says he isn't going to get into hypotheticals when asked what would happen if protesters turn up anyway:

The Enterprise Minister says they can't do anything more at the moment to lower fuel prices.

Longford Westmeath TD Peter Burke says it's a precarious situation:

Fuel protestors are now demanding the abolition of carbon tax and excise duty on fuel before they will end their nationwide blockades. 

The group had initially said it would stand down the protests over fuel prices, if the government made efforts to engage. 

However today they have upped their demands, and called for the Dail to be recalled this evening. 

PRO for the group Tyrellspass's  James Geoghegan, says they have four key demands, one of which is tapping into Ireland's own energy resources:

President of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association, Westmeath's Sean McNamara says if there's no progress, the protests will continue:

Farmers, hauliers and bus drivers are continuing to block roads and fuel terminals for a fourth day of protests over rising prices.

Government will be meeting with official haulier, farming and forestry representative bodies later today.

This morning a spokesperson for the protestors says they have also been invited for talks.

 Spokesperson James Geoghegan explains how the invitation came about:

However Fianna Fail TD John Connolly says it didn't happen.
 

Defence Minister Helen McEntee, says the government can only speak to representatives who have a mandate from their industries:

The IRHA will be in attendance at today's meeting, and its President says as far as he's aware, protest organisers won't be there.

However he says he's happy to represent their views if they reach out to him before:

Sinn Fein's Maria McCormack is currently at Junction 17 on the M7 in Portlaoise. 

The Laois Sentator says protestors want to return to work but they need the price of fuel to come down:

Concerns are growing as up to 500 petrol stations could run dry by the end of today.

These people in Tullamore say there will be further consequences if the issue isn't resolved:

Tullamore:

Cappincur Roundabout, day 4 of protests.

Traffic building up outside Sacred Heart Secondary School in the town. People are unable to pass due to the protest at the Cappincur Roundabout.

Arden Road Roundabout.

Laois Senator Maria McCormack on Junction 17 in Portlaoise:

The army remains on standby as fears rise of shortages caused by blockades at fuel plants in Cork, Galway and Limerick. 

Thomas McGrale, a farmer from Leitrim, is among those protesting on O'Connell St in Dublin and says they've been receiving lots of support from locals:

Over one hundred filling stations have now run out of fuel, and that number could multiply rapidly today if blockades continue.

The head of fuels for Ireland says its a significant number, and it could reach up to 500 if there is no improvement by the end of the day. 

It comes as blockades at the country’s main depots and only oil refinery in county Cork continues this morning. 

CEO Kevin McPartlan says panic buying is making things worse - and is encouraging people to 'keep their heads': 

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath, Sorca Clarke, has accused the government of being detached from reality when it comes to the crisis hitting home heating oil and other fuels.

Speaking after the publication of new data by the CSO that shows home heating oil has hit it highest prices on record and petrol and diesel the highest since 2022, Teachta Clarke said:

“Home heating oil hit the highest prices since record began 30 years ago yet the government has done nothing to help people suffering from this energy shock.

“They are detached from the reality facing over 700,000 households that rely on oil to heat their homes now facing the highest prices on record.

Fuel protestors are insisting they've been invited to attend talks with government today, but government insists they have not. 

Representatives of those involved in go-slow convoys and blockades say some of its members from Dublin and Galway have been asked to attend the talks with a number of ministers this afternoon, but that's being disputed by Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee. 

M6 between Athlone and Moate:

Political Correspondent Seán Defoe has been speaking to the Department of Agriculture, with sources saying protesters will not be allowed inside the meeting with Ministers:

Mullingar: