Ireland’s national fuel distribution network could take as long as ten days to fully recover after days of disruption caused by protests and blockades at key fuel and port facilities, according to Fuels for Ireland.
Chief executive Kevin McPartlan said the restoration of supply is expected to proceed “at a measured pace” as operators work through significant logistical challenges affecting distribution nationwide. He noted that while efforts are under way to stabilise deliveries, the return to normal supply levels will happen gradually rather than immediately.
McPartlan explained that a range of operational constraints is slowing recovery, even as clearing of blockades has begun at several major sites. “The priority now is to restore a reliable national distribution as quickly and safely as possible,” he said, adding that fuel deliveries would increase over the coming days rather than hours.
The update comes after several days of disruption caused by fuel price protests, which have now entered their sixth consecutive day. Protest organisers are calling for urgent government intervention to address what they describe as unsustainable fuel costs, warning that businesses are being pushed to the brink.
Around 600 of Ireland’s 1,500 filling stations have already run dry, with warnings that shortages could worsen if access issues persist at key facilities including Whitegate in Galway and Foynes in County Limerick.
In response to the escalating disruption, Garda operations have been deployed across multiple locations. In Dublin, around 200 officers supported by mounted units, water support vehicles, a helicopter, and plainclothes personnel were involved in clearing a blockade on O’Connell Street. Authorities said the capital’s main thoroughfare would reopen gradually as remaining vehicles are removed.
A separate operation at Galway harbour, where protesters had erected makeshift barricades overnight, concluded early this morning. Most demonstrators complied with instructions to leave the area after enforcement action began shortly before 8 a.m.
At Foynes port in Limerick, protesters have now announced they will stand down their blockade at 1 p.m., easing pressure on fuel distribution routes. Similarly, at Rosslare Europort, protesters agreed to move aside temporarily, allowing between 60 and 70 lorries to depart in staged groups as a gesture of goodwill.
However, port operator Iarnród Éireann has warned that ongoing congestion could still lead to delays, with ferries potentially forced to wait offshore or be diverted if capacity limits are reached. Meanwhile, nearby restrictions at Kilrane continue to affect access to Rosslare.
As authorities work to restore normal operations, the Government is expected to approve a package of fuel-cost measures aimed at easing public pressure, though it remains unclear whether the proposals will be enough to end the protests and fully stabilise supply chains.
