Protests over rising fuel prices have entered a second day of disruption across Ireland, with major impact reported in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Clare and Galway as demonstrators continue coordinated action nationwide.
The protests, involving convoys of tractors, lorries and trucks, have spread rapidly, with organisers confirming that 28 separate demonstrations took place across the country yesterday.
Many of those involved have held their positions overnight, with further activity expected throughout today.
In Dublin, disruption remains severe, with protesters leaving vehicles parked across O’Connell Street and along the North Quays overnight. This has led to widespread knock-on effects across the capital, particularly for public transport and city centre traffic.
View this post on Instagram
Multiple vehicles remain in place this morning, with gardaí warning that protests are set to resume and may include roadblocks affecting access to Dublin Airport and the Port Tunnel. All buses travelling through O’Connell Street are currently diverted, with Dublin Bus reporting “very significant disruption” and major diversions in place.
Luas services are also impacted. The Green Line is not operating between St Stephen’s Green and Dominick Street due to vehicles blocking tracks at O’Connell Bridge. Services are running only between Broombridge and Dominick, and between St Stephen’s Green and Brides Glen, while the Red Line continues to operate normally.
Outside the capital, key infrastructure has also been targeted. Fuel depots in Foynes, Co Limerick and Galway remain blocked by protesters, raising concerns about supply disruption if access is not restored.
There is currently traffic disruption at the Galway Docks, Galway city. pic.twitter.com/Igq0Tz0wi8
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) April 8, 2026
Fuels for Ireland CEO Kevin McPartlan said deliveries have been delayed, with suppliers waiting for gardaí to intervene so that fuel can be released. Gardaí have confirmed that access to both depots is currently impacted by ongoing protest activity.
In Limerick, protesters maintained a presence overnight on the M7, where around 80 vehicles took part in slow-moving convoys. Drivers who left the area have indicated plans to return, suggesting continued disruption, with diversions still in place.
In Clare, demonstrators are gathering again at Banner Plaza (Junction 12 of the M18), with plans to take to roads around Ennis and Shannon, continuing coordinated action in the region.
Protests have also been confirmed in Cork and Tipperary, with demonstrators involved in overnight activity and further participation expected today.
Slow moving convoys and significant traffic delays are currently reported at:
Co. Cork- M8 Junction 18 Glanmire pic.twitter.com/sxi8YKzb6S
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) April 8, 2026
The demonstrations are being driven by growing frustration over rising fuel costs, particularly among those in farming, transport and haulage sectors. The use of large vehicle convoys has caused significant delays, with participants deliberately slowing traffic and blocking key routes to highlight their concerns.
A major rally was held on O’Connell Street in Dublin yesterday at 3pm, where TD James Geoghegan highlighted the scale of the protests nationwide.
Responding to the disruption, Tánaiste Simon Harris acknowledged the right to protest but warned of the broader consequences.
“Everyone has a right to protest in a democracy, 100% no doubt about that, but I would also just say these aren't consequence-free actions,” he said.
He noted that a wide range of people are already being affected, including healthcare workers and small business owners.
“We shouldn't pit sectors against sectors. This is a moment of national challenge, and no one sector is more important than the other, and we have to work through this,” he added.
Mr Harris also confirmed that the Government is “engaging intensively” with representative bodies including farmers, farm contractors and hauliers, as efforts continue to address the situation. Government leaders are meeting again this morning to discuss the ongoing energy challenges.
With protests continuing across multiple counties and further disruption expected, commuters and businesses nationwide are being urged to plan ahead and monitor updates closely.
This is a developing story. Keep listening to Ireland’s Classic Hits Radio for live updates.
