Further Cork protests expected as fuel demonstrations disrupt roads and buses

Further disruption is expected in Cork later today as fuel protests continue into a second day, with another demonstration planned in Ringaskiddy.

Earlier, several trucks blocked the Shannonpark Roundabout in Ringaskiddy, causing significant delays for motorists. 

Another protest is expected in the area from 4pm, raising the prospect of renewed congestion this evening.

Traffic was also affected on the M8 this morning, where protest convoys slowed movement near Junction 18 at Glanmire. 

Gardaí said congestion along the route — one of the worst hit in the region — has since begun to ease.

Bus Éireann services across Cork city have also been impacted, with delays of up to 45 minutes reported on some routes due to protest activity. 

Separately, ongoing roadworks mean Route 226 is unable to serve stops including Ballinabearna Cross, Riverstick, Belgooly and Bridge View between 8am and 6pm.

Nationwide disruption

The protests, organised under the banner “Can’t Afford to Move”, have seen hauliers, farmers and contractors take to the roads in response to rising fuel costs.

Nationwide, Gardaí said slow-moving convoys and blockades are continuing to disrupt traffic in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, Tipperary and Galway, while some fuel depots remain obstructed.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said the protests are causing “significant” disruption and confirmed that emergency workers have been delayed or unable to travel to work, while some people have missed hospital appointments.

“Key public transport routes are also delayed or not operating, which means that employees and businesses are heavily impacted,” a spokesperson said.

Gardaí said they are continuing to engage with organisers and have urged protesters to facilitate public transport, emergency routes and diversion roads, some of which have reportedly been blocked.

The Government has signalled it will not engage directly with protest groups. 

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said only established representative bodies would be involved in discussions and warned that blockades of fuel depots would not be tolerated.

“Fuel depots will have to be cleared. There's no justification whatsoever for blockading fuel depots,” he said.

Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers described some protest actions as “completely unacceptable and irresponsible”, while Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said it was not acceptable for cities to be effectively turned into “car parks”.

“We understand the point people are making. This is not the way to do it,” he said.

The Irish Road Haulage Association said it is not representing protesters in negotiations, though its president Ger Hyland said he understands the pressures facing those taking part.

With further action planned and no clear resolution yet in sight, Cork commuters are being advised to expect continued disruption and allow extra time for journeys.