Tánaiste Warns Against Fuel Blockades as Excise Relief Ends July 31
Tánaiste Simon Harris warned against new fuel blockades as excise relief ends July 31, increasing diesel costs by 32c per litre. He stated that while protest is allowed, blockading critical infrastructure, which caused severe disruption in April, will not be tolerated, especially during Ireland's upcoming EU Council Presidency.
Tánaiste Simon Harris stated that while people have the right to protest, they do not have the right to blockade critical infrastructure. This warning comes as organizers of previous fuel blockades consider new demonstrations after fuel excise relief ends on July 31, which will cause diesel prices to rise by 32c per litre.
The April protests, which included blockades of Ireland’s only oil refinery and other depots, severely disrupted fuel distribution and led to arrests. Harris emphasized that such actions, which nearly caused a damaging energy situation and affected access to essential services, will not be tolerated, especially with Ireland hosting hundreds of EU meetings and State leaders during its EU Council Presidency starting next week.
He reiterated that lawlessness is not part of democracy and that rules and laws will be enforced. The government had previously announced hundreds of millions in supports, including excise duty cuts, which are set to expire.