WATCH: Gardaí plead with fuel protestors as 'severe delays' continue across Ireland

Gardaí have pleaded with protestors to engage with Gardaí locally to facilitate public transport and other traffic as severe delays are taking place across the country amid the fuel protests.

In a sincere message to protestors, Gardaí have shared a video on social media urging protestors to recognise the negative impact the protests have had across Ireland.

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Gardaí said,

"Since yesterday, An Garda Síochána has been engaging with, and continues to engage with, those involved in the fuel protests around the country, seeking to work with them to mitigate the negative impact these protests are having on the lives of their communities.

"While these protests have been peaceful, they are causing significant disruption for people in some parts of the country.

"We in An Garda Síochána have received reports of emergency workers being delayed or not being able to travel to their work, of people not being able to attend hospital appointments or visit loved ones who are ill. Key public transports routes are also delayed or not operating, which means that employees and businesses are heavily impacted. A small number of fuel depots are also being blocked.

"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.

"An Garda Síochána has also received reports of the blocking of diversion routes put in place to facilitate travel around protests.

Since yesterday, An Garda Síochána has been engaging with,and continues to engage with, those involved in the fuel protests around the country.
An Garda Síochána will continue to provide updates, where possible, to the public, through our social media channels. pic.twitter.com/YAoVHpP4eQ

— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) April 8, 2026

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"Again, An Garda Síochána is requesting that protestors engage with Gardaí locally to facilitate important diversion and emergency routes.

"An Garda Síochána has no role in permitting or authorising public gatherings or protests. There is no permit required in order to organise any protest.

"Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events involves a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety.

"An Garda Síochána will continue to provide updates, where possible, to the public, through our social media channels."

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Also speaking on the current protests, Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said,

"Today I went to the Garda Control Centre to meet with senior members of An Garda Síochána responsible for policing the ongoing protests throughout the country. I emphasised to them that while Government respects the right to protest, that right must be exercised lawfully and must respect the rights of others to earn a livelihood or to move freely.

"I also informed the Gardaí that it is essential our ports and fuel depots remain open and fully accessible.

"Government is well aware of the pressures on people from increased fuel costs, but democracy cannot be dictated to by an unelected group whose actions are now damaging the Irish public.

"No one is above the law and those breaking the law should know that there are consequences for unlawful activity."