‘Major traffic disruption’ expected during planned ‘blockade’ in Limerick over fuel prices

LIMERICK motorists are warned of “major traffic disruption” during a planned rolling protest over fuel prices this week.

The demonstrations, due to take place on main routes to the outskirts of Limerick city this Tuesday morning, April 7, is one of a number taking place nationwide, following the cost of fuel rocketing due to the war in Iran.

The protests are being organised by a group of professional drivers, hauliers, farmers, bus operators, taxis and plant operators called The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest. It is not known how many participants they expect to attend in Limerick.

READ NEXT: Letterbox ‘fishing’ tactic leads to car thefts in Limerick suburb

The starting points for Tuesday’s Limerick rolling protest are Beary’s Cross to travel to Ballysimon on the N24; Daly’s Cross to Annacotty on the Old Dublin Road; Croom to Patrickswell on the M20 and Bunratty village in County Clare to travel on the N18.

A spokesperson for the organisers say all groups are to gather on the hard shoulders and move off at 8am sharp.

“All convoys will create major traffic disruption along the route as part of the protest, with the main objective being a continuous rolling blockade from Junction 29 on the M7 to Junction 2 on the N18, and back again in a circular route.

“This route is designed to keep pressure on the area while maintaining a strong, visible presence throughout Limerick,” said the spokesperson.

They stress that all hard shoulders must be kept clear for emergency services.

“If it was your own family member in need, you would want that road kept open too. Well done to everyone involved. We know no plan will suit everyone, but this is about standing together and making our voices heard. The time is now,” concluded the spokesperson.

The protest is being supported by Limerick County TD, Deputy Richard O’Donoghue. He posted an “emergency notification” on his social media accounts to warn people there's going to be major traffic delays on all routes coming into Limerick on Tuesday morning.

“We all know there's a war going on and the fuel has been interrupted coming into this country. This protest is not about the interruption of fuel coming in, this is about the taxation of fuel. At the moment, you are paying 50% tax on fuel. 

“We want the taxation of fuel to be capped for white diesel at €1.70; petrol €1.60 and green diesel 90 cent to make sure the agriculture sector can supply food, the transport sector can get food into our shops to make sure that everyone is fed, and people can go to work. This protest is going to happen around the country,” said Deputy O’Donoghue.

The independent Ireland TD also stressed that a lane be left open for all emergency services to make sure that nobody vulnerable will be held up, and people can get to hospital appointments.

“Please, get out and support these people. They're doing it for you, to make sure that you'll have food on the shelves when you go into the shops. Milk and bread don't grow on the shelves. 

“The agricultural sector, the transport sector -  if they can't move, you won't eat. These are the people that are standing up for you, and I stand with them,” concluded Deputy O’Donoghue.