Mayo councillor warning as fuel blockades bite: “No one wants to be there”
AN Independent councillor who met with protesters in Galway this morning has said the ongoing fuel crisis demonstrations reflect a “national crisis” driven by spiralling costs and a lack of Government engagement.
Cllr Patsy O’Brien said he met with demonstrators alongside Government TDs and councillors as blockades continued at ports and depots across the country for a third consecutive day.
According to Cllr O’Brien, the protest movement is made up of three main groups, who have organised into the "Irish haulage farming constructions contractors amalgamation" (IHFCCA) following a series of meetings, including a large gathering in Portlaoise and a more recent meeting Manorhamilton.
He said many of those protesting are doing so because it’s their last resort and that they are under severe financial pressure.
“One man told me his diesel bill was €28,500, compared to €12,000 previously,” he said.
“He has taken over a family business, running seven lorries and quarries, and he broke down crying.
His business is going to go. No sector can take that level of increase.”
Cllr O’Brien added that the knock-on effects will be felt by the farming community too.
A round bale could cost €50 by the summer. I don’t know how people will manage. It’s a national crisis,” he said.
While acknowledging the disruption caused by the blockades, he stressed that those involved do not want to be protesting.
“No one I spoke to wants to be there,” he said. “They want to be recognised and given something to work off. There is €13 billion in funds there – this is a time of need.”
Fuel costs, particularly green diesel, were identified as the central issue, with increases of up to 70% described as “unsustainable” for businesses.
Cllr O’Brien also pointed to the impact of future carbon taxes, calling the situation “unprecedented”.
He said protesters are seeking a temporary cap on diesel prices as an interim measure.
“There is job shedding as we speak,” he said. “Look at it tonight – there won’t be diesel in the county.”
Cllr O’Brien claimed that protesters had attempted to engage with Government in advance of the demonstrations.
“These people contacted the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and ministers over a week ago after those large meetings in Portlaoise and Manorhamilton.
They were ignored. All of this was sent on to Government.”
The Robeen based councillor said he understood the pressures on Government representatives but criticised what he described as a “heavy-handed approach”.
“You can’t drive a nail with a sledgehammer,” he said.
He warned that ongoing volatility is already impacting public works and contracts.
“We’ve adopted a road works programme with Mayo county council and now only about 50% of it can be done because of swirling prices,” he said.
Councillor O’Brien has called for urgent engagement with protestors to prevent further escalation of the crisis.