An MLA is urging any potential fuel protests in Northern Ireland to be carried out “safely and with consideration for others” amid a growing number of possible locations – including Derry and Strabane.
It comes after the PSNI said it was “monitoring the situation” regarding calls for a series of protests across the north to be held on Tuesday from 2pm.
They follow similar protests in the Republic, which have seen slow-moving convoys and parked vehicles cause disruption.
Read more: PSNI ‘monitoring situation’ over potential fuel protests in Northern Ireland
The SDLP’s Mark H Durkan has said that he understands a demonstration is planned for Derry at 8am on Monday, while others look like they will be taking place in eight locations across the north on Tuesday. A call to a protest in Strabane, at the Asda at 3.30pm on Saturday (April 11), has also been circulated online.
SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has called for any protests to be carried out “safely and with consideration for others” PICTURE: DYLAN HEGARTY
The MLA for Foyle referenced a social media poster calling for a “massive protest” at 8am on April 13 from the Vale Centre in Greysteel to the Culmore Roundabout in Derry.
He added that he had been “contacted by many people who are worried about how these protests may impact their ability to get their children to school and to get to work”.
“These are very real and understandable concerns,” he said.
“I am not sure who is organising the protests, nor have I been made aware of the reasoning behind these timings.
“Regardless, I would urge that any protest is carried out safely and with consideration for others.
Fuel protests in the Republic have caused disruption PICTURE: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA
“We need urgent, practical solutions to support workers, families, and essential services before the situation worsens further.”
Mr Durkan added that the rising cost of fuel was having a “real and growing impact”.
“From farmers and hauliers to small businesses and working families, the pressure is being felt everywhere,” he said.
“But I am particularly concerned about those in professions that rely on being on the road every day. Carers, in particular, are being priced out of doing the vital work our society depends on. That is simply not sustainable.”
Mr Durkan said that he had raised concerns with ministers in the Executive and noted that the UK Government “could remove or at least reduce tax on fuel” or provide direct financial support.
Demonstrations in the south have been calling for a cap on kerosene and diesel as well as the interim removal of carbon tax and excise duty.
Fuel duties in Northern Ireland are reserved matters for the UK Government and are not controlled by the Executive.