Protests over rising fuel prices have entered a second day of disruption, with Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow traffic severly impacted as demonstrators continue to target key routes and infrastructure.
Commuters across Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow are being warned to expect further delays this morning, with gardaí confirming that protests are set to resume and may include roadblocks affecting access to Dublin Airport and the Port Tunnel. The situation remains fluid, with authorities urging the public to allow extra time for journeys as disruption continues to evolve.
In the capital, protesters have held their positions overnight, leaving tractors, trucks and buses parked along O’Connell Street and the North Quays. The presence of these vehicles continues to cause significant disruption across the city centre following yesterday’s demonstrations, which saw convoys converge on key locations and a large rally take place on O’Connell Street at 3pm.
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Public transport services remain heavily impacted. All buses travelling through O’Connell Street are currently diverted, with Dublin Bus reporting “very significant disruption” across its network. Diversions are being further complicated by blockages on O’Connell Bridge and along Eden Quay, creating additional pressure on busy routes, particularly on the E Spine and F Spine corridors.
Luas services are also affected. While the Red Line is operating normally, Green Line services are not running between St Stephen’s Green and Dominick Street due to vehicles blocking tracks at O’Connell Bridge. Services are currently operating only between Broombridge and Dominick, and between St Stephen’s Green and Brides Glen, leaving a key section of the line out of service.
⚠️Passengers, please be advised Green Line services are currently not operating between St. Stephen's Green and Dominick. Services are operating between Broombridge and Dominick and between St. Stephen's Green and Brides Glen only. This is due to a protest at O'Connell Bridge. We…
— Luas (@Luas) April 8, 2026
While the primary focus remains on the capital and its commuter belt, disruption is being felt nationwide. Fuel depots in Foynes, Co Limerick and Galway have been blocked by protesters, raising concerns about potential supply issues if access is not restored.
Fuels for Ireland CEO Kevin McPartlan said that deliveries from both depots have been delayed as suppliers await garda intervention. Gardaí have confirmed that access to these facilities is currently impacted by ongoing protest activity.
Elsewhere, protesters maintained a presence overnight on the M7 outside Limerick, with around 80 vehicles involved in slow-moving convoys. Drivers who left the area have indicated plans to return today, suggesting further disruption is likely. Diversions remain in place.
In Clare, demonstrators are gathering once again at Banner Plaza (Junction 12 of the M18), with plans to take to roads around Ennis and Shannon, adding to the growing list of locations affected by coordinated action.
According to organisers, the protests have rapidly expanded in scale, with TD James Geoghegan stating that 28 separate demonstrations took place across the country yesterday alone.
The protests are being driven by frustration over rising fuel costs, with participants from sectors including farming and haulage highlighting the financial pressure on their industries.
The use of large vehicle convoys has been a key tactic, deliberately slowing traffic and drawing attention to their concerns.
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Responding to the disruption, Tánaiste Simon Harris acknowledged the right to protest but warned of the wider 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 the protests are already having a tangible impact on the public, including essential workers and small businesses.
“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 across affected sectors, including farmers, farm contractors and hauliers, in an effort to address concerns and de-escalate the situation. Government leaders are meeting again this morning to discuss the ongoing energy situation.
For now, however, the immediate impact is being felt most sharply in Dublin and its commuter belt, where transport disruption is expected to continue throughout the day. With further protests planned and the potential for additional roadblocks, commuters are being advised to monitor updates closely and consider alternative travel arrangements where possible.
This is a developing story. Keep listening to Radio Nova for live updates.
