Gardaí have said that they are entering into an “enforcement phase” in response to ongoing fuel protests that include blocking fuel from leaving Galway harbour.
The blockade of the fuel depot continues this morning, RTÉ reports, with protestors in trucks and tractors remaining at the docks.
Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner Shauna Coxon said, “Yesterday, we advised protestors that they were severely impacting on the lives of people, particularly emergency workers, those who need to attend hospital, and workers.”
“Despite our significant and prolonged engagement, which has included explaining and encouraging protestors to facilitate free movement of traffic, it is clear that some people have significantly escalated an already difficult situation by targeting critical infrastructure such as fuel depots and refineries.”
“These are no longer protests; they are blockades. These blockades are putting at risk supplies of food, fuel, clean water and animal feed. These are critical for the nation and its people.”
She added that such blockades are against the law, and that Gardaí are moving to an “enforcement phase” in relation to “those impacting on critical infrastructure” unless they cease, as part of a graduated policing response.
