"There Will Be Penalties" - Taoiseach Slams Fuel Protestors

Wednesday, 8 April 2026 07:38

The N7 road was closed on Tuesday afternoon

Micheal Martin says protestors will be punished for blocking the streets.

The Irish Farmers Association says it's not supporting today's ongoing fuel protests.

The body's president, Ballinakill's Francie Gorman feels while it accurately shows the ongoing anger in rural communites, it goes far beyond farmers.

Access to the M7 at junction 17 and 18 in Portlaoise has been blocked.

Blockades are in action on the N52 in Mucklagh, Tullamore, and there's a demonstration on the N62 Roscrea Road just South of Birr.

Mr Gorman says the demonstrations are undermining the work of Irish farmers:

The Taoiseach says the ongoing fuel protests disrupting parts of the country are “not acceptable”.

Demonstrations are continuing for a second day, causing major disruption on the roads.

Fuel depots in Galway and Limerick have also been blocked by protesters.

Micheál Martin says anyone who blocks main roads or critical infrastructure can expect to face penalties:

Midlands-North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly is calling on the Taoiseach and Tánaiste Simon Harris to immediately invite representatives of protesting farmers, contractors and hauliers into Government Buildings today to address their concerns.

MEP Mullooly says the failure to engage has fuelled anger on the ground, with tractors once again taking to the roads across Ireland as businesses struggle to survive rising fuel costs.

He's warning despite recent easing in global tensions, energy disruption is set to continue in the short and medium term.

“This crisis is far from over. Prices will remain volatile and unpredictable, and the pressure on farmers, contractors and families will continue,” he said. “That is why action must be taken now - both in Dublin and in Brussels - before the situation worsens further.”

Palfinger has been on the scene today handing out refreshments:

Access to the M7 at junction 17 and 18 in Portlaoise has been blocked.

Blockade's are in action on the N52 in Mucklagh, Tullamore, and it's slow moving on the N6 near the Creggan Industrial Estate in Athlone.

Gathering points are being announced for tomorrow at various locations including Athlone, Portlaoise, Portumna, Dublin, Donegal, Cork, Sligo, Waterford and Wexford.

John Dallon, a farmer and agri-contractor from Castledermot in Kildare, spent the night on O'Connell Street.

He has this message for commuters stuck in the city this morning: