Over 250 vehicles join fuel price protest in Tullamore
Over 250 vehicles have joined the fuel price protest in Tullamore this morning (Tuesday) as a "slow drive" protest was held over the soaring costs of fuel.
A group called 'The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest' was set up in recent weeks, as fuel prices began to rise significantly due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The group said a public meeting took place in Portlaoise on Saturday, March 28, and that a "very constructive" discussion was held with local TDs and representatives from sectors including farming, haulage, bus operators, and other industries heavily impacted by the rising cost of fuel.
As a result of this meeting, a committee was established to represent those affected, and to put forward a clear and structured list of demands to the Government.
Following a lack response to the demands, 'The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest' group proceeded with plans to arrange a nationwide protest.
Protests are being staged locally in the Midlands today on the M6 in both Athlone and Tullamore, and on the N4 near Kinnegad.
One Tullamore protester told the Offaly Independent that fuel excise duties are now double what they were before conflict erupted in Iran.
"The very least the governement could do is freeze the excise duties at present war rates. I estimate 250 trucks, tractors, and cars [are involved], the majority of them are parked on the bypass till 7pm this evening.
"There’s another rolling convoy between Tesco in Tullamore and Mucklagh. The public must understand that food that be produced today and over the summer months is the food that will hit there table next Autumn/Winter, and if something isn’t done on diesel and fuel today, the cost of producing and transporting that food is going to increase dramatically."
In a statement posted online, a spokesperson for 'The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest' said the protest is "families, farmers, hauliers, fishermen, construction, commuters and small businesses all saying enough is enough".
"The message is simple: carbon tax must be abolished and fuel costs must be brought back to an affordable level before more families and businesses are pushed beyond breaking point. 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.
"The level of support behind this movement is unlike anything we have seen before. Farmers, hauliers, fishermen, construction, recovery operators, small businesses, commuters, and families from every county are standing together. We also have support from TDs across multiple parties who know the people of this country have simply had enough."