Mayo filling stations run dry as blockade impedes supply

Large queues formed at filling stations across Castlebar on Thursday as fuel protests blocking entry and exits at refineries and depots around the country have left many forecourts running dry.

Mulroy's Londis at the Moneen Roundabout ran out of fuel but said a delivery of both petrol and diesel was expected later in the afternoon.

Achill Island's petrol station also ran dry, with forecourts across the county awaiting deliveries as protests continued at sites in Galway, Foynes and Whitegate in Cork.

Minister Patrick O'Donovan told RTÉ Radio One that a very substantial number of fuel stations had empty tanks nationwide, warning the problem was more acute in rural areas.