Fuel protests over the Government’s response to rising petrol and diesel prices have entered their third day.
Several distinct but co-ordinated protests are under way, involving slow-moving convoys on motorways, such as the M1 and M50, as well as the blocking of main roads in Dublin.
Those taking part include hauliers and agricultural contractors using large trucks and tractors to disrupt traffic.
Below is the latest information on the protests, including affected locations, road closures and public transport disruption.
Dublin city centre
Fuel protesters have gathered at O’Connell Bridge, blocking traffic travelling through the city centre from north to south but also from east to west along the north quays.
Gardaí have placed barriers on Westmoreland Street and at the top of O’Connell Street to divert traffic.
Motorways
The fuel protests are causing delays on the M50 northbound. All lanes were closed at junction 5 (N2), but TII said one lane has been reopened but that delays were to be expected.
The M7 is closed around Portlaoise and on the approach to Limerick, between junction 29 and 30. The M18/N18 southbound in Limerick City is closed between junction 2, Dock Rd, and the end of M18/N18.
The M1 motorway is congested at junction 4 near Swords and Dublin Airport.
The M8 northbound is closed near Cashel, between junction 9 and junction 7. Southbound, the M8 is closed between junction 6 and junction 9.
A sliproad on the M9 northbound at junction 2 is closed due to a vehicle on fire, with all lanes affected.
There are delays on many of the other key routes to Dublin, including the N4/M4, N3/M3 and N2/M2.
Other motorways and roads experiencing disruption include the M9, M18, M20 and N22.
A traffic sign on Swords Road in Dublin, alerting drivers of delays. Photograph: Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Sean O’Neill, the communications director for Transport Infrastructure Ireland, has advised commuters to go to traffic.tii.ie for live updates.
“It’s a map of Ireland, it’ll show you where all the incidents are and you can plan accordingly,” he told RTÉ Radio’s Morning Ireland.
“We ask please anyone using the motorways for protest or for whatever need, please keep those hard shoulders open. They are needed for emergency vehicles and emergency situations so please keep them open regardless of what you’re doing on the motorway.”
Public transportLuas
There are no Green Line Luas services between St Stephen’s Green and Dominick. Red Line services are running normally, with updates here.
Dublin Bus
There are severe service disruptions and delays across the bus network in the capital.
Some afternoon services have been cancelled on the following routes: 142, P29, 51D, 69X, X1, X2, 41X, X27, 33X, 33D, X31, X25, X32, X28, X30 and 39X.
Other cross-city bus services are diverted and are using different termini.
The full list of cancellations, route diversions and termini changes can be found here.
Bus Éireann
Bus Éireann said several routes nationwide are experiencing considerable delays.
“There are slow-moving convoys and a barricade in Sligo town affecting all services. In addition, there slow-moving convoys on the N18 (Ennis Road), starting in Bunratty heading towards Limerick,” a statement said.
The following routes are among those with some cancelled services:
Route 51: Cork to GalwayRoute 64: Sligo to DerryRoute 320: Charleville to LimerickRoute 350: Ennis to GalwayRoute 458: Letterkenny to Convoy
Bus Éireann will be updating its list of cancelled or delayed services here.
Cork
Fuel protesters are continuing to blockade the entrances to the Whitegate oil refinery in Co Cork.
Rosslare Harbour and Europort
Protests in the Rosslare area are causing significant delays and disruption to traffic, including access to and from the port and surrounding roads.
Galway
A protest and blockade was continuing at the fuel depot at Galway Harbour on Thursday.