Latest On The Fuel Protest Following Announcement Of Government Supports

After nearly a week of fuel protests that brought disruption to roads, supply chains, and communities across the country, services are beginning to return to normal. But with hundreds of petrol stations running dry, major blockades at key fuel terminals, and a new €505 million government support package now on the table, the debate is far from over. Meanwhile, Retail Excellence Ireland had warned that retail trade fell by up to 50% in some areas due to fuel blockades causing severe disruption across the country. The largest body representing Ireland's retail industry had called for the blockades to end and for "meaningful engagement between all parties and Government to begin without delay." Alan Morrissey was joined by Kilkee farmer and election candidate Kevin Hassett, who has been attending the Clare protests, and Cathal O'Donoghue of C&C Executive Travel, one of the coordinators of those demonstrations, and John Custy, Retailers of Ennis Chairperson and owner of Custy’s Music Shop. Image © Pat Flynn