'Go-slow' vehicle protest from Bridgend to Manorcunningham this evening in solidarity with fuel protesters
A ‘drive-slow,’ in solidarity with fuel protesters, is to take place from Bridgend roundabout to Manorcunningham roundabout this evening, Thursday, from 7pm.
The gathering is being organised by people in Donegal to show support to those who are on day three of protesting what they say is Irish government inaction on the escalating fuel crisis.
Protestors that include hauliers, farmers and the general public have blocked access to ports, and shut down key roads and infrastructure including O’Connell Bridge in Dublin, with convoys from across the country joining them.
On Thursday, Gardai said fuel protestors will ‘face the full rigours of the law’ if they do not ‘immediately cease blockades’.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan also confirmed that the ‘assistance of the Defence Forces’ had been requested’.
Earlier this week, the ‘People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest’ stated on Facebook that they had sent a copy of a letter to ‘every government official, TD, minister, and the Taoiseach,’ which set out ‘the demands of the Irish people and what is needed immediately to keep families, businesses, and entire industries afloat.’
They stated that if they failed to respond, they would have ‘no option’ but to move to a nationwide protest.
They added: “This country cannot survive under the crushing weight of fuel costs, carbon tax, and endless charges any longer. Working people are being driven to the wall while the government continues to ignore the reality on the ground.
“This is no longer about one sector — this is about the survival of the people who keep Ireland moving.”
Protestors are reported to have sought a meeting with the government. However, it is understood the government will only meet with organisations such as the Irish Farmers Association.
This evening, a ‘drive-slow’ demonstration will begin at Bridgend, with those taking part told to gather along the hard shoulder on the Burt side of the village’s roundabout on the Derry-to Letterkenny road. They will then travel to Manorcunningham, along that hard shoulder, where possible.
Mark Hegarty is one of those helping to promote the demonstration and said many people want to take part as they cannot travel to Dublin, but want to show support.
He encouraged everyone who can to take part, in any vehicle.
"It doesn’t matter if it’s a tractor, van, lorry – just come and show your support for them. We’re not intending to block or disrupt anything and will try to keep to the hard shoulder as best we can.”
Mark said that anyone who can’t begin with them at Bridgend is welcome to join them at any point along the route to Manor and back to Bridgend.
Organisers are also encouraging those who can’t take part to show support along the road and outside houses etc.
Vehicles will meet from around 6.30pm.
The fuel are taking place in response to escalating fuel prices across the country.
Protesters say that heavy taxation by the government, including carbon, VAT and excise duties are pushing prices up, with diesel soaring past the two euro per litre mark and petrol not far behind.