“This is about all of us” - Laois councillor calls for TDs to use their voices as fuel protests continue

The fuel protests have now entered their fifth day with blockades continuing across the country including on the M7 at Portlaoise.

Protestors at Junction 17 have vowed to stay for “as long as it takes”. Meanwhile, a Laois councillor has called on TDs to use their voices in government to end the crisis.

Cllr Marie Tuohy said: “I support the people on the fuel protests. This was action forced upon these people who cannot sustain their businesses/livelihoods as things stand at the moment. The Government needs to act proactively and engage with practical and realistic proposals and stop reacting solely to the fact that there is a strike. I find it condescending that any member of the government would try to deflect from the crisis at hand and speak about "outside influences". Bringing in the military smacks of Trumpism and not what the public expect or would accept."

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“The knock on effect of hauliers, bus owners, transit teams and farmers etc. not being in a position to maintain their businesses are massive to all of us in the supply chain and I don't need to list them here. This is not about any 'lorry driver' it is about all of us. Try pricing home heating oil.... who will deliver to shops, who will produce the food, who will pick the children up for school etc?,” said Cllr Tuohy.

“It's already been allowed go too far. I'm calling on our TD's to use their voices in government to end this. Stand up now, speak up now and get this situation in hand so that these decent, hardworking people can get on with their jobs and their lives.”

The protests have led to fuel supplies running out on hundreds of forecourts with around 500 service stations having run out of diesel and petrol across the country. Further talks between government and representative bodies are due to continue over the weekend.