![\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5036357_8_articleinlinemobile_DSC_2471.jpeg\" "\\"")
Standoff between gardai and protesters at Whitegate as protesters prevent a fuel tanker from entering the Irving Oil refinery on Friday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins<\/p>\n\n 6.10pm: Ireland\u2019s National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) has been told that the number of fuel stations without supply could rise to 500 on Friday as fuel protests continue.<\/p>\n
The NECG, which brings together a number of Government departments and State agencies, met on Friday.<\/p>\n
A statement said: \u201cThree national fuel depots at Whitegate refinery, Shannon Foynes port and the Port of Galway remain restricted due to the blockades, and movement at the three sites is extremely limited.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than 100 fuel stations are currently out of supply, with the number potentially rising to 500 today. The NECG heard that there are approximately 1,500 fuel stations nationwide.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NECG also heard that there is growing concern from international shipping companies about the ability to offload stock at some Irish ports and are monitoring the ongoing impact of these delays on their operations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment (DCEE) continues to engage closely with the fuel sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
The NECG also warned the public to only buy the fuel they need to ease supply issues.<\/p>\n
It said people are \u201ccontinuing to miss scheduled health appointments due to travel issues\u201d caused by the fuel protests.<\/p>\n
It stated: \u201cThe provision of health and social care services is affected, including the provision of home care and critical care such as dialysis and cancer treatment.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is critical that clear and safe access to healthcare settings is available for all working across our healthcare services, including those who work in our hospitals and those treating and supporting people in their homes or in community settings, for example home care workers and those delivering the Meals on Wheels service.<\/p>\n
\u201cAttending hospital or receiving treatment in the community, whether in an emergency situation or for a routine appointment, is a vulnerable time for a patient and their family. The critical need for clear and safe access to all healthcare services must be respected to ensure that access to care is never compromised.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe HSE is advising people who missed appointments due to the disruption to contact the relevant service that they had their appointment for and they will be facilitated with getting another appointment quickly.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n Press Association\n <\/p>\n
\n 5.18pm: Cork advocate for the elderly Paddy O\u2019Brien has expressed concern over the impact the fuel crisis will have on the Meals on Wheels service.<\/p>\n
Meals on Wheels delivers meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities, helping to combat hunger and isolation in communities across the country.<\/p>\n
Mr O’Brien told The Echo: \u201cMany of the recpiants of the daily meals are housebound, with large numbers unable to prepare food for themselves.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe current petrol and fuel situation could I feel create serious problems in relation to Meals on Wheels.<\/p>\n
\u201cPetrol has become scarce. The operators of the scheme, many who work in a voluntary capacity, will be affected very seriously.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would make a very special appeal to neighbours of the people who receive Meals on Wheels, keep an eye out for them when they are going through this tough time.<\/p>\n
\u201cNeighbours have a very important role to play during the petrol crisis.”<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cWe all must be more vigilant in relation to senior citizens in our own specific areas.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat I have noticed is that about senior citizens that I have worked with for many years, they are exceptionally very slow to discuss their lifestyle with anyone and may not make the first move looking for help.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been saying for many years a knock on the door of a senior citizen could save a life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe most vulnerable here are those who live alone. If you know a person living alone that receives Meals on Wheels and are slow to approach them, please tell someone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n John O’Shea\n <\/p>\n
\n 4.40pm: A standoff is under way between protesters and garda\u00ed in Whitegate.<\/p>\n
Protesters left the original blockade site and are now at the far side of the garda cordon, stopping trucks from accessing the oil refinery.<\/p>\n
One protester climbed on top of a fuel truck and waved a Tricolour flag.<\/p>\n
\n Liz Dunphy\n <\/p>\n
\n 4.35pm:\n <\/p>\n
There won\u2019t be a single underage GAA fixture played in Cork this weekend as the county\u2019s juvenile body, Rebel \u00d3g, has postponed all games fixed for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday due to the ongoing fuel crisis.<\/p>\n
Off the back of their decision on Thursday to postpone all juvenile games for that evening because of the fuel shortage and consequent traffic chaos, the latest Rebel \u00d3g dispatch has confirmed the postponement of all hurling and football games scheduled for the next three days.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will be observing the situation over the weekend and we will let clubs know by lunchtime, Monday 13, where Rebel \u00d3g stands at that time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n 4.26pm: Ongoing protests across Cork are causing major disruption to Bus \u00c9ireann services today, with multiple routes curtailed, diverted, or cancelled. The latest updates are as follows:<\/p>\n
Route 241: Services are currently unable to serve Trabolgan and Whitegate due to protests in the area.<\/p>\n
Route 261: Services are currently unable to serve Ballinacurra due to protests in the area.<\/p>\n
Route 51: Due to ongoing disruptions, Route 51 services will operate only between Cork and Limerick until further notice.<\/p>\n
At Limerick, a connecting bus will be provided to transport passengers travelling onwards to Shannon Airport.<\/p>\n
3.25pm: ex Cork to Galway is cancelled.<\/p>\n
5:25pm: ex Cork to Galway is cancelled.<\/p>\n
Bus \u00c9ireann said a number of other services may experience disruptions and delays over the course of the day.<\/p>\n
Passengers are advised to allow extra time for any bus journeys today.<\/p>\n
\n John O’Shea\n <\/p>\n
\n 3.48pm: Protesters say they are not leaving the blockade at Whitegate oil refinery until some assurances are given on lowering fuel costs.<\/p>\n
The cost of fuel has essentially doubled in just four weeks which is placing unbearable pressure on people in his sector, said agricultural contractor Dan McAuliffe.<\/p>\n
Although Ireland cannot control the price of oil on international markets, the Government can adjust the tax rate on it. That needs to happen urgently to give hauliers and agricultural contractors a chance, he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need help because it’s not sustainable what we’re doing now. It’s the mental impact it’s going to have on people across the board. The pressure’s on farmers, on hauliers, on customers.<\/p>\n
“The mental health strain it’s going to put on people down the line is going to be scary. And that’s what is coming, when lads can’t pay bills, when they’ve a shed loads of animals outside that they can’t feed, they can’t provide for. That’s going to put a crazy mental strain on people.”<\/p>\n
His colleague Niall Linehan said they are out there protesting at Whitegate for lower fuel costs to help “the whole country”.<\/p>\n
Standoff between gardai and protesters at Whitegate as protesters prevent a fuel tanker from entering the Irving Oil refinery on Friday afternoon. Picture: Larry Cummins<\/p>\n
“Everyone is standing outside here in the last few days, day and night, and they’re supporting the whole country across the board. Whether it’s home heating oil, it’s the petrol, diesel, everyone is sick of [the cost of] it.<\/p>\n
“We’re getting unbelievable support from the public. It\u2019s uplifting to see that the public are behind us.”<\/p>\n
\n Liz Dunphy\n <\/p>\n
\n 2.52pm: Garda\u00ed have now secured an entry point into Whitegate oil refinery.<\/p>\n
Layers of barriers have been erected by garda\u00ed at the blockade at Whitegate, effectively blocking protesters within the protest area.<\/p>\n
Two fuel trucks entered this afternoon, with permission from protesters, to ensure that emergency services had fuel and homes were not deprived of heating oil.<\/p>\n
But one protester said they now feel like they have been ‘double-crossed’ after the barriers were raised and access to Whitegate was secured by the State.<\/p>\n
\n Liz Dunphy\n <\/p>\n
\n 2.40pm: Cork politicians have urged the Government to engage directly with organisers of the ongoing fuel protests, warning that public anger in the region is deepening as the crisis worsens.<\/p>\n
Social Democrat TD for Cork East Liam Quaide told <\/p>\n
\n The Echo\n <\/p>\n
that the Government should engage directly with the organisers if it \u201cwants to help defuse a situation that is clearly worsening”.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cThere is no doubt that a great many people are angry, frustrated, and under severe pressure at the moment.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe cost-of-living crisis has left households squeezed from every direction by rising bills, housing costs, childcare costs, and the everyday expense of simply getting by.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat anger is real, and it should not be dismissed.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mr Quaide said that although everybody has the right to protest in a democracy, \u201cthe escalation we have seen in recent days, including the blockading of fuel depots, motorways, and large parts of central Dublin, is now causing more harm and division than any good it is achieving”.<\/p>\n
“That kind of action is hitting commuters, workers, and businesses who are already dealing with the very same cost-of-living pressures as those taking part in the protests,” he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCritical infrastructure should not be obstructed, and the decision to call in Defence Forces support may well be justified in those circumstances.<\/p>\n
” That, however, comes with the risk of inflaming the situation further and prior to that happening we need to see an attempt by government to de-escalate by engaging with the protesters.<\/p>\n
\n Government needs to recognise that this anger has not come out of nowhere. People are struggling, and many feel they are working harder, paying more and getting less in return.\n <\/p>\n
\u201cThe answer, however, is not to paralyse essential infrastructure. The answer is to actually reduce the pressure on households.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0Cork North West Sinn F\u00e9in senator Nicole Ryan said the Government needs to act in relation to the fuel protests.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeadership means listening, engaging, and acting. Right now, people feel ignored, and that must change,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis situation is not going away. People need real supports, real engagement, and real leadership. It\u2019s time for those elected to represent Cork North West to find their voice and use it.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is not about politics, this is about people. Farmers trying to keep their businesses going, workers trying to get to their jobs and families trying to heat their homes. They deserve representation, not silence.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n John O’Shea\n <\/p>\n
\n 2.10pm:\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
Ireland is on the \u201cprecipice of turning oil away from the country\u201d, Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin has said.<\/p>\n
Speaking on RT\u00c9 radio on Friday afternoon, Mr Martin said the blockading of ports and a refinery by fuel protesters was \u201cunconscionable\u201d.<\/p>\n
He said that \u201csomebody else could buy\u201d oil that is on a tanker off the coast of Galway if it can not dock.<\/p>\n
Asked if Ireland is at risk of \u201closing all its oil supply\u201d, Mr Martin replied \u201ccorrect\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is unconscionable, it\u2019s illogical,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\n 2.05pm\n <\/p>\n
Amid travel fears due to the fuel protests, Cork Airport has issued a statement to The Echo regarding people with travel plans over the weekend.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It said: “Passengers who are flying from Cork Airport over the coming days are advised to be mindful of potential traffic disruption and to leave additional time for their journey to the airport.”<\/p>\n
\n 12.14pm\n <\/p>\n
The chief executive of Cork Chamber has appealed to fuel protesters to stand down as the ongoing protest is causing \u201ca major disruption\u201d to business operations across the county.<\/p>\n
Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said the ongoing protest and road blockages are having \u201ca significant impact on business operations, commuters and the general public” across Cork.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe situation has escalated considerably over the past 24 hours in Cork, resulting in major disruption for businesses and communities in the city and county,\u201d said Mr Healy.<\/p>\n
\u201cProtests blocking access to the Port of Cork and the Ringaskiddy area are a cause for serious concern, impacting critical national trade routes and essential economic activity across many sectors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ongoing blockages have also resulted in serious disruption for the many businesses operating in the area and the considerable number of workers commuting to and from these businesses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ongoing situation at the oil refinery in Whitegate represents another considerable escalation of current disruption,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlockages of fuel transport and delivery at the refinery have a serious impact on the supply of fuel across the country and will have far-reaching consequences for all sectors of the economy and society if they continue.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is unacceptable that forecourts are running dry unnecessarily and this cannot be allowed to continue.\u201d Cork Chamber president, Rob Horgan, said the organisation has “actively engaged with government on the impact of increased energy costs on the business community and will continue to advocate for supports to mitigate the impact of the rising cost burden on businesses\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile many businesses have genuine concerns about rising costs and the ongoing energy situation as a result of the current geopolitical environment, the current and ongoing actions are having a disproportionate impact on businesses, particularly SMEs, and communities across the country,\u201d said Mr Horgan.<\/p>\n
\u201cCurrent road and facilities blockages in Cork will have a national knock-on impact on many sectors of the economy, disrupting vital fuel supplies and trade flows.<\/p>\n
\u201cMeaningful engagement through the appropriate and established channels must be prioritised in the days ahead, with an immediate end to the ongoing blockages to avoid further disruption to businesses and communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny prolonged period of disruption to business operations, fuel supply, trade and transport will have a serious lasting impact on Ireland\u2019s economy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n Rachel Lysaght\n <\/p>\n
\n 11.06am\n <\/p>\n
The Garda public order unit is now at the scene.<\/p>\n
\n 10.32am\n <\/p>\n
\n Emergency services in Cork remain \u201cstable\u201d amid fuel scarcity, despite predictions that more than 200 fuel stations across the county are expected to run dry this morning.<\/p>\n
Second officer with Cork City Fire Brigade Victor Shine told The Echo that while their fleet of emergency trucks are not currently in danger of running low on fuel, \u201cit is always a concern\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re stable at the moment, so we\u2019re not panicking,\u201d said Mr Shine.<\/p>\n
![\"Protesters](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5033954_53_articleinlinemobile_Image_1_1_.jpg\" "\\"Protesters")
Protesters at Whitegate oil refinery protesting over rising fuel prices this morning. Picture: Noel Sweeney<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a minimum supply of fuel ourselves that we fuel in-station, but we do need trucks to keep us topped up.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re supported by some of our surrounding petrol stations on both the North and South sides of the city, so we can go to them for fuelling when we start to get critical.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur trucks use quite a significant amount of diesel when they\u2019re running, it\u2019s not economical driving, we burn up a lot of fuel, so we\u2019re hoping our fuel suppliers will still be able to fill our tanks when we need it.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we have to go to those stations we\u2019ll make arrangements with them and they may give us slots to come and fuel up,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe emergency vehicles aren\u2019t so bad, it\u2019s staff coming in \u2013 when they run short on fuel, we could run short on staff, so it is getting a little bit more concerning.<\/p>\n
“We\u2019ll be relying on our neighbouring stations to look after us in a crisis.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mr Shine additionally said that due to a mixture of road blockades, road works and slow-moving convoys, the fire service is \u201cexceptionally busy\u201d as crews are responding to an increased number of road traffic collisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re hoping that wherever the protests are, they will continue to allow emergency vehicles through,\u201d said Mr Shine.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are exceptionally busy, we are dealing with life and death situations and I wouldn\u2019t want to come out tomorrow saying that someone has died because we were blocked by a protest, but so far, we haven\u2019t had a problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are now going from main roads to secondary roads, travelling at the same speed they would on main roads, and road traffic collisions are increasing due to that.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all vehicles that are using these roads now, and they\u2019re not always the best for commercial vehicles or large volumes of traffic to be on.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are under pressure, stress levels are increased, so it\u2019s a recipe for disaster.\u201d <\/p>\n
\n Rachel Lysaght\n <\/p>\n
\n 10.32am:\n <\/p>\n
More garda\u00ed have arrived at the Whitegate protest.<\/p>\n
\n 10am:\n <\/p>\n
In Whitegate, locals brought donuts to protesters standing in heavy rain at the blockade and tents have been erected to provide shelter and hot drinks have also been provided.<\/p>\n
\n 9.48am\n <\/p>\n
\n Bus \u00c9ireann has noted the following disruption to services in the South region today:<\/p>\n
Route 223 08:15 South Mall to Carrigmahon – Cancelled 09:00 Carrigmahon to South Mall – Cancelled Route 223, 225 & 225L\u00a0<\/p>\n
Due to ongoing disruptions, services are unable to serve Shanbally and Pfizer Ringaskiddy stops util further notice.<\/p>\n
Route 51 Due to ongoing disruptions, Route 51 services will operate only between Cork and Limerick until further notice.<\/p>\n
At Limerick, a connecting bus will be provided to transport passengers travelling onwards to Shannon Airport.<\/p>\n
07:25 Cork to Galway – Cancelled from Limerick to Galway 08:25 Cork to Galway – Cancelled 09:25 Cork to Galway – Cancelled from Limerick to Galway 10:25 Cork to Galway – Cancelled 11:25 Cork to Galway – Cancelled from Limerick to Galway 12:25 Cork to Galway – Cancelled 13:25 Cork to Galway – Cancelled from Limerick to Galway 14:25 Cork to Galway – Cancelled\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n Services Disruption due to Protests – Due to ongoing protests across Cork City and surrounding areas, a number of services may experience disruptions and delays today.<\/p>\n
Please be advised that some routes are currently affected. For further information, please check the Real Time app or visit www.buseireann.ie\/rtpi.<\/p>\n
Bus \u00c9ireann regrets any inconvenience caused to customers and appreciates your understanding.<\/p>\n
\ud83d\udd38Route 51\ud83d\udd38 Due to ongoing protests, Route 51 services operating between Cork and Galway (in both directions) may experience significant disruptions, including delays and diversions.<\/p>\n
Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to check the website regularly for the latest updates.<\/p>\n
\n 9.31am\n <\/p>\n
Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said on RT\u00c9 Radio 1 this morning that he believed an ‘intervention’ would be announced later today to help with assisting ‘the most vulnerable’ in the current fuel crisis. Organisations are due to meet with government minister this afternoon in Dublin. He said the government had been working on this ‘for a number of weeks’.<\/p>\n
\n 9.25am\n <\/p>\n
The Revenue Commissioners have issued a statement to say they are aware that the rise in fuel and other costs may cause cash flow difficulties for certain individuals and businesses.<\/p>\n
“Revenue appreciates that this is a difficult time for those affected and confirms that it will work with taxpayers that have been adversely impacted to ensure that good compliance records can remain on track.<\/p>\n
“Today, (10\/04\/2026), Collector-General, James Twohig outlined that Revenue will engage with any viable business that experiences cash flow difficulties due to the rise in fuel and other costs.”<\/p>\n
The Collector-General stated that: \u201cRising fuel and other costs have affected businesses in a variety of ways. Revenue acknowledges that it can be a worrying time in terms of the ability to keep an otherwise good tax compliance record on track. Revenue will adopt a pragmatic approach where businesses have been adversely impacted because of rising fuel costs.\u201d Mr Twohig explained that: \u201cRevenue has a strong track record in successfully agreeing flexible and appropriate payment arrangements where businesses are facing temporary cash flow difficulties, and we will work with those affected by rising fuel and other costs to take their financial circumstances and capacity to pay into account.<\/p>\n
“I would strongly encourage affected taxpayers to take the following practical steps: continue to send in your tax returns on time, and engage early with us if you run into, or are facing, difficulty in paying your tax.<\/p>\n
Rather than hope that such payment difficulties will resolve in time, my advice to taxpayers adversely impacted by rising fuel and other costs is to proactively engage with Revenue to agree mutually suitable arrangements.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n 9.15am\n <\/p>\n
Protests are continuing in Whitegate this morning outside the Irving Oil Refinery as garda\u00ed are reported to have arrived on the scene and are engaging in conversation with the protest organisers. Protests at other key locations around the country, including on the Macroom bypass, are continuing once again.<\/p>\n
There are reports of more filling stations having run dry on fuel overnight.<\/p>\n
\n THURSDAY\n <\/p>\n
\n 7.38pm:\n <\/p>\n
The HSE South West has said it is actively managing the emerging fuel supply issue in the region that has the potential to impact service delivery across Cork and Kerry.<\/p>\n
As a precaution, local contingency plans have been activated, and senior management teams are maintaining close operational oversight to ensure the continued safety of patients and staff. Critical services, including emergency care, urgent patient transport and time\u2011sensitive treatments (e.g. dialysis, oncology, complex paediatric cases, bowel care, urgent care etc.) will be prioritised.<\/p>\n
Services have been directed to review staffing, transport, supplies and discharge arrangements to minimise disruption, and non\u2011urgent activity may be deferred where necessary.<\/p>\n
HSE South West added that it is working closely with national colleagues and relevant agencies to monitor the situation, and advises the public attending appointments to contact the service directly, if they are concerned about being late or missing their appointment.<\/p>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5034794_40_articleinlinemobile_LC_20fuel_20shortages_2008.jpg\" "\\"")
Motorists fill up at Maxol filling station on Boreenmanna Road, Cork, on Thursday evening. Picture: Larry Cummins<\/p>\n
\n 7pm:\n <\/p>\n
Protest organisers have said there will be rolling protests once again in Cork tomorrow morning, from 9am. Locations will include\u00a0<\/p>\n
Midleton, Watergrasshill, Ballincollig, Mallow, Macroom, Clonakilty, Ballyhooly and surrounding county routes.<\/p>\n
\n 6.05pm:\n <\/p>\n
Acute petrol and diesel shortages have hit Cork with multiple service stations now empty in the city and county.<\/p>\n
Cork has been particularly badly hit by the protests, said Fuels For Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartlan.<\/p>\n
Panic buying in Cork City is driving the problem, he said.<\/p>\n
Some stations in Cork are now managing demand, limiting the volumes of fuel that they will dispense in any one transaction.<\/p>\n
Mr McPartlan urged motorists to avoid buying fuel on Thursday if they did not need it. \u201cWe\u2019ll be in a much better position tomorrow,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce access to the refinery in Cork and the terminals in Foynes and Galway are reopened. we will catch up within a couple of days. It’s not an existential threat to supply.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n Liz Dunphy\n <\/p>\n
\n 3.15pm: A fuel protester in a high-vis jacket has confronted Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin at an event in West Cork on Thursday afternoon.<\/p>\n
Gerard Murphy, a farmer and contractor from Bandon, attempted to prevent Mr Martin from entering the newly refurbished Col\u00e1iste \u00cdosag\u00e1in in Baile Bhuirne.<\/p>\n
Mr Murphy waited outside the refurbished Campas \u00cdosag\u00e1in while Mr Martin was welcomed there on Thursday afternoon, and when the Taoiseach reached the door, Mr Murphy attempted to prevent him from entering.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you going to do about the diesel?\u201d Mr Murphy asked the Taoiseach.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin did not engage, but had to push past him to enter the new co-working facility, at which point Mr Murphy accused the Taoiseach of \u201cwalking away from the Irish people\u201d.<\/p>\n
A garda detective then prevented Mr Murphy from entering the building.<\/p>\n
Afterwards, Mr Murphy told The Echo he hadn\u2019t slept in three days.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a contractor, a farmer, and a truck driver, we\u2019re involved in everything, and all our businesses are on their knees,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can see the amount of lorries [in Macroom] protesting, that have stopped work.<\/p>\n
\u201cFuel bills are gone crazy, the fuel bills have gone over double now, they\u2019re not bringing them down, they\u2019re not bringing down the customs, they\u2019re not bringing down the fecking carbon tax.”<\/p>\n
He claimed: “Miche\u00e1l Martin has done absolutely nothing for the people on Irish roads, I\u2019m on about the people now, whatever about the contractors.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone has a car, everyone has diesel, and no one has talked about the kerosene heating the houses.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s a population here in Baile Bhuirne of probably 2,000 people, a lot of them elderly people, they can\u2019t afford to heat their homes.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mr Murphy said the last thing he wanted to do was protest.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to be here today. I have fields to plough, I have cows to feed,” he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re at wit\u2019s end, you can hear it in my voice, we are at the point of breaking.”<\/p>\n
\n Donal O’Keeffe\n <\/p>\n
\n 2.45pm: Cork is experiencing acute petrol and diesel shortages, with a growing number of service stations across the city and county now running dry.<\/p>\n
\u00a0The county has been \u201cparticularly badly hit\u201d by the fuel protests, according to Fuels for Ireland chief executive Kevin McPartlan.<\/p>\n
He claimed panic buying in Cork City is driving the problem and that some stations are limiting the volumes of fuel dispensed in any one transaction.<\/p>\n
He urged motorists to avoid buying fuel today if they did not need it.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll be in a much better position tomorrow,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnce access to the refinery in Cork and the terminals in Foynes and Galway are reopened, we will catch up within a couple of days,” said Mr McPartlan.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“It’s not an existential threat to supply.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although the Government has sanctioned the Defence Forces to aid garda\u00ed in clearing protests that are blocking critical infrastructure, Mr McPartlan said the announcement came too late.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe waited too long. I don’t think we should be waiting for the army. I don’t think we should need trucks and tractors to be towed out of access roads.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut we needed a response today in order to prevent this becoming a far more grave situation.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although he said he empathises with the protesters, Mr McPartlan said the blockages on fuel terminals and oil refineries have not been properly thought through.<\/p>\n
\u201cIs their aim to stop ambulances having fuel to get to emergencies? Is it to stop ESB workers getting to sites to keep the energy supply going?<\/p>\n
\u201cI have huge empathy with their concerns.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I was an agricultural contractor and I was paying 60c per litre more for my diesel and the Government response was \u2018I\u2019ll tell you what, we\u2019ll knock 3c a litre off on the taxes that you\u2019re paying’, I\u2019d be angry.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut who are they angry with? They\u2019re surely not angry with the nurse trying to get into work in ICU tonight in CUH. But that\u2019s the person who is suffering, and her patients who she is not able to get in to treat.<\/p>\n
“I think they\u2019re working with good intentions but they\u2019ve really badly got this one wrong.”<\/p>\n
Queues have been reported snaking from a petrol station outside Blackpool onto the dual carriageway outside Cork city.<\/p>\n
North Cork and Kerry have also been badly hit, with major shortages reported in Tralee, Listowel, Abbeydorney, Lixnaw, and Newmarket.<\/p>\n
\n Liz Dunphy\n <\/p>\n
\n 1.37pm: More than 20 men gathered outside the entrance to the IDA industrial estate in Macroom, where Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin was attending the opening of an \u20ac8m plant extension by Cygnum, a firm specialising in the manufacture of timber frame structures.<\/p>\n
Gear\u00f3id Crowley, who described himself as \u201can extremely small contractor, a one-man operation\u201d from Bantry, said the fact that Mr Martin had entered the estate by a rear gate, avoiding the protest, was a mark of the respect he had for the protesters, \u201cwhich is zero\u201d.<\/p>\n
Mr Crowley said that like many contractors, his fuel bill had soared in recent weeks and he was asking the Government for help.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy fuel bill is getting out of control and it\u2019s getting hard to make ends meet.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not asking for the world, we are not asking for handouts, we\u2019re not asking for anything, we\u2019re just asking for a little bit of help, in the short term, until this conflict will dissipate a bit and we can get back on our feet.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are the people who put the food on the table. The farmers that are here are the people that grow the food. The hauliers are the people that bring your food to the market for you, so you have the convenience of going in and picking it off the shelf.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5034191_48_articleinlinemobile_JCFuelProtestMacroom03.jpg\" "\\"")
Gearoid Crowley from Bantry, speaking to the media in Macroom. Picture: Jim Coughlan<\/p>\n
Mr Crowley said he had been speaking in recent days to a small contractor who has \u201cfive tractors, a silage harvester, and a pike on the pit\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat man is facing this summer, if this is not brought under control, an extra \u20ac1,500 per day in his fuel bill,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe can\u2019t absorb that, he is going to have to pass that on, and if he passes that on, that knock-on effect is going to go down the line, and that\u2019s going to end up in the shops, on the shelves, in the price of food.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we are trying to say to the public is you are not going to notice this now, but come September, October, November, you\u2019ll all be standing there wondering you\u2019re paying \u20ac5 for a loaf of bread, and this is where it ends.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf this is not brought under control, and quickly, this is where it\u2019s going to end up.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe price of food, come the fall of this year, is going to go through the roof.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mr Crowley said farmers, contractors, and hauliers were protesting for the entire country, \u201cnot just to line our own pockets, it\u2019s nothing to do with that\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s surviving, keeping our businesses afloat so that we can continue to produce food at an affordable level for the public, plain and simple, we\u2019re not asking for the world.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He said that protesters were committed to behaving peacefully, and he rejected what he called false reports of ambulances and fire services being blocked by pickets, which he said had not happened.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen this protest kicked off on Tuesday morning, I drove from Bantry to Cork to pick up my daughter from the hospital. I got in there with no problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe disruption that they\u2019re saying is being caused is not being caused. That is BS.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n Donal O’Keeffe\n <\/p>\n
\n 12.26pm: \u2018If we get shifted, we\u2019ll only be back again,\u201d one of the protesters at the Whitegate Oil Refinery said on Thursday morning, as the Taoiseach confirmed the Defence Forces had been asked to clear routes to critical infrastructure, as the fuel protests enter a third day.<\/p>\n
Attendance at the ongoing blockade outside the oil facility in East Cork continues to grow, with dozens of trucks, tractors, buses, and cars positioned at the gates of the Whitegate Refinery.<\/p>\n
Two squad cars and four members of An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na are present at the protest, and have spent more than 30 minutes in discussions with participants.<\/p>\n
It is understood that there is potential for participants to receive parking fines as a result of the blockade, although this has not been confirmed by garda\u00ed.<\/p>\n
In a statement issued by An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na, a spokesperson said that \u201cthis is not tolerable and is against the law\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe wilful obstruction of public roads and the movement of vehicles and persons are offences under various statutes including the Public Order Act and Road Traffic Acts,\u201d the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs part of our well-established graduated policing response in dealing with protests, An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na is now moving to an enforcement phase in relation to those impacting on critical infrastructure unless they desist and disperse from these blockades.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na is advising protesters to immediately cease blockades of such critical infrastructure or face the full rigours of the law.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5033693_61_articleinlinemobile_Fuel_20protests_20in_20Cork_20thumbnail_201.jpg\" "\\"The")
The Taoiseach confirmed the Defence Forces had been asked to clear routes to critical infrastructure, as the fuel protests enter a third day.<\/p>\n
\u00a0Speaking to The Echo, local farmer Kate Manning said due to rising costs, \u201cpeople won\u2019t be able to survive the next few weeks and months\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m here to support everyone who is affected by the rising cost of fuel \u2014 hauliers, farmers, bus drivers, the people who are literally moving the country,\u201d said Ms Manning.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been here now for a couple of hours and I was here last night too.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m affected myself, my tractor has to run and green diesel has gone up an awful amount.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not fair what’s happening to people on the ground \u2014 how are farmers mean to sow seeds? How are trucks meant to deliver food? The prices are making it impossible.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m hoping the Government will listen to us and will put down the price as much as possible to make it affordable for people.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just not right, a lot of people won\u2019t be able to survive the next few weeks and months so it needs to stop.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"Hauliers](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/5033975_50_articleinlinemobile_IMG_0032.jpeg\" "\\"Hauliers")
Hauliers outside Whitegate Oil Refinery on Thursday morning. Picture: Noel Sweeney<\/p>\n
\u00a0Protester Joe Moloney, whose partner is a professional bus driver, said he will \u201cstay here the whole day”.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m out here because of the cost of living and the cost of fuel, it\u2019s too much,\u201d said Mr Moloney.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are people who can\u2019t afford to fill their oil tanks and fill their cars.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey need to drop down the price, bring it back to the way it was before Christmas when it was around \u20ac1.60 per litre.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll stay here the whole day, I stand with the people here. They can\u2019t put us all in jail, the prisons are already full.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0Aont\u00fa councillor Peter O\u2019Donoghue, who was also present at the protest, said \u201call these people are asking for is for the Government to talk and meet with them\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fantastic to see people out here today, there are people from all aspects of society \u2014 which is great, because everyone across the board has been affected by rising costs,\u201d said Mr O\u2019Donoghue.<\/p>\n
As protests continue nationwide, there are reports that fuel stations across the country have seen an uptake in sales as members of the public move to fuel their vehicles for fear of shortages.<\/p>\n
In East Cork, stewards are directing customers to pumps at the Midleton fuel station, with reports that queues at the station continue to grow. <\/p>\n
\n Rachel Lysaght\n <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, protesters blockading the Macroom bypass this morning have vowed to remain there for \u201cas long as it takes\u201d.<\/p>\n
They heard repeated calls from organisers to remain peaceful throughout the protest, and claims that \u201cGovernment bots\u201d would try to stir up violence.<\/p>\n
More than 100 people were gathered on the road just after 9am, with more than 60 trucks, tractors, lorries and cars blocking the road from the city side, with traffic diverted through the town.<\/p>\n
An ambulance was let through earlier in the morning, and a garda car was parked at the city side of the bypass.<\/p>\n
One organiser instructed the crowd \u2013 mostly men wearing orange or yellow hi-vis bibs – to remain peaceful, saying that they had to maintain the high ground, adding that \u201cwhoever breaks the peace first loses this\u201d.<\/p>\n
He claimed that the Government was \u201cready to fall\u201d and it wouldn\u2019t take much to topple it.<\/p>\n
\u201cLads, I would plead with ye to remain peaceful, we are peaceful people, we are working people and we\u2019re protesting peacefully, and the public is on our side, as long as we remain peaceful we have the upper hand,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are here for the long haul and we will stay here as long as it takes, we have people ready to take our place if any of us have to leave, there is no problem with numbers.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin yesterday described the blockade of the Whitegate oil refinery as an act of \u201cnational sabotage\u201d, a statement described by the Macroom protesters as \u201cborderline unconstitutional\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cMiche\u00e1l Martin did us the greatest favour of all time saying what he said about us, and this Government is ready to fall because of it,\u201d one organiser claimed.<\/p>\n
\n \u201cWe have lawyers up and down the country looking into the legality of that statement and we are going to go after him in the courts if we have to.\n <\/p>\n
\u201cIt won\u2019t take much to bring this Government down, as long as we stay peaceful, because they are only waiting for an opportunity to come down hard on us and we can\u2019t give them that opportunity.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
He repeated calls for peaceful protest and claimed that if there was violence, it would be stirred up by \u201cGovernment bots\u201d.<\/p>\n
Protesters in Macroom heard that those blockading the Whitegate refinery would stand their ground but would not rise to provocation \u201cif the army goes in\u201d, as they were \u201cfellas with cool heads\u201d.<\/p>\n
The mood at the protest was upbeat and friendly, but protesters were instructed not to talk to certain media outlets.<\/p>\n
Mr Martin is due to open a factory in Macroom later this morning, and is due at Ballyvourney this afternoon. Messages were sent around WhatsApp last night urging that the Taoiseach\u2019s exit from Macroom be blocked.<\/p>\n
\n Donal O’Keeffe\n <\/p>\n
The Port of Cork has issued a statement this morning, saying access to the Port of Cork facilities at Ringaskiddy is currently restricted due to the ongoing national protest.<\/p>\n
“Organisers have indicated that the blockade may be lifted at 11am today, with the potential of a further blockade anticipated this afternoon. This remains a developing situation and we are in close contact with organisers and An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na,” said the statement.<\/p>\n
“While access to port facilities is being affected by external disruption, customers, staff and port users safety remains our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and patience.”<\/p>\n
Health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and HSE chief executive Anne O\u2019Connor have called for all approaches to medical facilities be kept clear for emergency service access and for patients attending appointments.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They said this is also essential to ensure hospital staff and healthcare workers providing care in homes or community settings can reach their workplaces and treat patients.<\/p>\n
“Attending hospital or receiving treatment in the community, whether in an emergency situation or for a routine appointment, is a vulnerable time for a patient and their family,” they said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Please respect the critical need for clear and safe access to all healthcare services, to ensure that access to care is never compromised.”<\/p>\n
Up to 40 forecourts are already without fuel and that number \u201ccould touch 100 by the end of the day,\u201d warned Vincent Jennings, chief executive of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association.<\/p>\n
The number of forecourts without fuel is \u201cgrowing by the hour\u201d with Munster particularly badly hit, he said, warning that the fuel shortages could last into next week, even if the blockades end soon.<\/p>\n
Munster has been badly hit, with blockades halting supply from Foynes, Whitegate, and Galway.<\/p>\n
Shannon now essentially has no fuel left in its forecourts, Mr Jennings said.<\/p>\n
Clare has been badly hit, with major fuel shortages in Newmarket-on-Fergus, west Clare and Ennis.<\/p>\n
\n Liz Dunphy\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"6.10pm: Ireland\u2019s National Emergency Co-ordination Group (NECG) has been told that the number of fuel stations without supply…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":392533,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[79,61,60,43],"class_list":["post-392532","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ireland","tag-cork-news","tag-ie","tag-ireland","tag-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392532","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=392532"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392532\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/392533"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=392532"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=392532"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=392532"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}