Fuel Protest Spokesmen Warn of Further Action Before October 6 Budget

Fuel protest spokesmen James Geoghegan, a contractor from Co Westmeath, and John Dallon, a farmer from Co Kildare, announced further demonstrations are planned before the October 6 Budget, though nothing is yet organized. They were key figures in last month's protests that blocked O’Connell Street, Dublin, and spoke at a «Breaking Point» event in Dublin on Saturday.

Geoghegan criticized the government’s fuel subsidy scheme, stating it was «too late coming» with payments not expected until late June or early July, missing a crucial period for farming. He called the package «a drop in the ocean» given rising oil prices and suggested increasing oil imports from Russia, the US, and the North Sea amid potential shortages. Dallon emphasized ongoing public dissatisfaction, citing issues like the Universal Social Charge (USC) tax, disability support, nurses' pressure, and homelessness.

The protests, which began on April 7, involved slow-moving convoys and blockades of fuel depots and Ireland’s only oil refinery in Whitegate, Co Cork. These actions caused panic buying and prompted the government to threaten military intervention before blockades were lifted. The protests also led to a Sinn Féin no-confidence motion against the government, which the coalition ultimately won. John McGuirk, editor of Gript, also spoke at the event, noting the protests' potential impact on upcoming by-elections.