'What needs to be done must be done': People of Laois react to fuel crisis protest

The people of Laois and beyond have said the fuel protests, which are causing significant road disruptions across the country, “have to be done” as “soon we won't even be able to afford to get to work.” 

The demonstrations are taking place along busy roads nationwide following the rising cost of fuel due to the war in Iran. There continues to be severe congestion across a number of roads, including on parts of the M7 in Laois, N21 in Adare, Co Limerick and sections of the M50 in Dublin. 

The movement is believed to have first stemmed from a group of professional drivers, taxi drivers, hauliers, farmers, bus operators and plant operators known widely on social media as The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest. 

READ NEXT: More delays on Laois roads in coming days as fuel protest set to continue

The group, which have since amassed over 50,000 followers on Facebook, organised the nationwide protest of slow-moving convoys. Many who participated headed for Dublin where there was a demonstration and speeches by TDs and Councillors on O’Connell Street. The group and their supporters have called for urgent action on capping the price of green and white diesel as it is becoming unsustainable to afford. 

It is believed that in some parts of the country, the protest will last until 7pm while others may continue on until tomorrow, April 8. 

Posing a question on social media, Leinster Express asked readers: “Do you agree with the fuel protests causing traffic tailbacks?” To which the answer was overwhelmingly “Yes!” 

One commenter said, “Absolutely 100 per cent, took me over 2 hours to get from Charleville to Parkway Roundabout (in Limerick) but didn't mind expected delays, they are dead right to protest.” 

A second stated, “Yes absolutely soon we won't be able to afford to get to work so what needs to be done must be done and if this doesn’t wake them from their extended slumber, Ireland must take further excessive steps and continue to make noise. Our electricity, heating, food costs are now some of the most expensive in the world, what do our government do(?) nothing but take an extended Easter break.”

A third reader said that even though she agrees, she does have some concerns: “I agree with the sentiment but I also really fear for the people who needed medical attention, important health appointments, disabled people in cars with them, children etc. the wrong people are suffering.”

While some questioned: “Dunno know what a protest can do? Trump's war in Iran is the source of the issue. But I agree people have the right to protest. But I feel for the people who missed hospital appointments or flights due to the disruption.”

“All for a protest... but didn't this method end up costing people more in the long run due to increased fuel used with a longer journey time?”

Largely, people are in support of the protest despite the traffic delays, with another reader commenting, “I agree totally with everyone that is out protesting (the) price of fuel, something needs to be done. No one wants to go out holding up traffic but it's the only way they can get attention from the government to do something. People cannot afford to heat their houses or drive to work with the cost of everything plus if the price keeps going up, everything else will go up (too) so fair play to all that's out there protesting.” 

It has been reported that Dublin Bus have diversions in place as O’Connell Street remains closed. As well as this, Bus Éireann were forced to cancel two services from Galway to Cork and have confirmed the full list of impacted routes here.