The Irish Defence Forces have responded to speculation that army tanks were being deployed in connection with the fuel protest, saying that armoured vehicles seen in Limerick were part of a training exercise.
Videos have emerged today showing tanks on the roads of Ballyneety in Limerick.
The Defence Forces have clarified that these tanks are part of a regular “mission readiness” training exercise for UNIFIL officers ahead of deployment to South Lebanon.
A statement said: “The Defence Forces are aware of images circulating of MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carriers in convoy.
“We can confirm that these are the personnel of the 128th Infantry Battalion conducting mission readiness exercises ahead of deployment to UNIFIL next month.
“Mission Readiness Exercises are critical activities to train and prepare our personnel for conducting duties in Southern Lebanon.”
Meanwhile, the Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has confirmed that the Defence Forces have been asked to assist An Garda Síochána in clearing blockades at fuel sites.
Blockades are reported at depots in Cork, Limerick and Galway.
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A statement from the Department of Justice said: “The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested.
“Large vehicles blocking critical infrastructure will be removed. Owners of those vehicles should remove them immediately this morning and should not complain later about any damage caused to those vehicles during removal.
“Denying people access to fuel and clean water is an unacceptable interference in the most basic of human rights.”