Gardaí warn Laois and Irish motorists of major nationwide traffic jams over fuel protest

Motorists in Laois and across Ireland have been warned of major traffic jams across Ireland this Tuesday, April 7 for a fuel protest. 

An Garda Síochána has issued an alert this Easter Monday evening, of widespread plans by vehicle owners to hold "potentially slow moving convoys" on National roads.

They warn of "vehicle gatherings, and associated public activity, at various locations around the country from early tomorrow morning Tuesday, 7th April".

The protest comes as fuel prices continue to reach crisis levels due to the US's war on Iran and blocking of fuel deliveries.

The protests are being organised online by a group of professional drivers, hauliers, farmers, bus operators, taxis and plant operators called The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest.

"An Garda Síochána understands it is proposed that convoys of vehicles (including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles) will gather at various locations across the country. It is understood that the proposed convoys, potentially slow moving, will travel primarily along National Primary Routes.

"It is proposed that some of these convoys will remain in regional locations, and some will travel to Dublin to congregate in the Dublin region. 

"If the convoys materialise and congregate,  it is expected that there will be significant additional traffic, including slow-moving vehicles, on the main arteries leading to Dublin and in the vicinity of large urban areas across the country from 0800hrs. 

"An Garda Síochána has had limited interaction with some persons involved in publishing information about these convoys.  As the majority of the organisation of these convoys is taking place on social media platforms and messaging apps, An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public at this time.

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"Members of the public travelling on National Primary Routes tomorrow 7th April 2026 are advised to plan their journeys by ensuring they leave additional time for possible traffic disruptions and to expect traffic delays, if congestion is caused as a result of these convoys.

They add that "An Garda Síochána respects the right of citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, subject to statutory provisions."