A planned nationwide fuel protest has been called off, but a demonstration is still expected to take place in Dublin this Friday, November 13, as hauliers contend with significant traffic restrictions linked to the EU summit.
The group People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest has withdrawn its plans for rolling protests across the country, saying it does not have enough support to justify the risks involved for participants.
However, organisers are still encouraging people to attend a demonstration in the capital at noon on Friday.
There has been some confusion over the location of the planned protest. Initial announcements pointed to a gathering at the GPO on O'Connell Street, followed by a march towards Dublin Castle. However, the Irish Examiner reports that campaigner Anthony Kelleher has since confirmed the demonstration will take place outside Leinster House.
Explaining the decision to cancel the nationwide action, organisers said they were unwilling to put people's driving licences, jobs and businesses at risk without sufficient numbers committed to taking part.
They also acknowledged that support for the protests had fallen since Budget 2027.
The Irish Road Haulage Association has confirmed it will not be involved in Friday's demonstration. While recognising the financial pressures facing hauliers, the organisation says it intends to continue working with the Government and Department of Transport to secure support for the industry.
Meanwhile, the Irish Examiner reports that James Geoghegan, John Dallon and Christopher Duffy, who were prominent during the April fuel protests, will not be involved in Friday's planned action.
Dublin traffic restrictions remain in place.
Although the nationwide convoys have been cancelled, hauliers travelling into Dublin will still face significant disruption due to security arrangements for this week's European Political Community meeting and Friday's informal meeting of EU leaders.
An extended security cordon around the Convention Centre will remain in place until Friday evening. Samuel Beckett Bridge is closed to traffic, while North Wall Quay, between Guild Street and New Wapping Street, is closed to both vehicles and pedestrians.
Residents and businesses within the restricted area can still access the zone, but will be subject to security checks.
Gardaí have also warned that temporary traffic restrictions may be introduced as official motorcades travel through Dublin and the surrounding region.
However, the latest Garda update states that the M50 and Dublin Port Tunnel are not expected to be directly affected by the summit's security operation, although traffic on connecting roads may still be heavier than usual.
Hauliers and transport operators are being advised to check the latest Garda traffic information before travelling, particularly if they have deliveries scheduled in the Docklands or city centre.
