Gardaí issue major public statement as fuel protests hit Kildare for second day

Gardaí have issued a statement this afternoon on the ongoing fuel protests bringing traffic to a standstill in Kildare and around the country.

Garda Síochána has said it is continuing to engage with organisers of fuel protests taking place across the country, as disruption to communities and services increases.

In a statement, Supt Liam Geraghty of the Garda Press Office said gardaí are working with those involved in the demonstrations in an effort to reduce the impact on local areas. While the protests have remained peaceful, officials say they are causing “significant disruption” in parts of Ireland.

He said Gardaí have received reports of emergency workers being delayed or unable to travel to work, as well as people missing hospital appointments or being prevented from visiting unwell loved ones. Public transport services have also been affected, with some routes delayed or not operating, leading to knock-on effects for employees and businesses.

A small number of fuel depots have also been blocked as part of the protests. 

“While An Garda Síochána respects and facilitates the right to peaceful protest, An Garda Síochána must also balance and protect the rights of individuals to travel freely and commercial organisations to conduct business,” the senior garda said.

Gardaí have urged protestors to continue engaging with officers at a local level to ensure that public transport, traffic, and emergency routes can operate.

Supt Geraghty raised concerns about reports of diversion routes being blocked, which were put in place to help people avoid affected areas.

“Again, An Garda Síochána is requesting that protestors engage with Gardaí locally to facilitate important diversion and emergency routes,” the statement added.

Gardaí also clarified that they do not have a role in permitting or authorising protests, and that no permit is required to organise a public demonstration. Any policing response, they said, is carried out on a graduated basis, taking into account legislation and public safety.