Friday April 10 marks the fourth day of nationwide fuel protests, which have seen sections of motorways and junctions blockaded by protesters.

Junction 17 on the M7 in Portlaoise has been occupied by protesters since Tuesday, who are calling for the Government to cut excise duties on fuel.

The Leinster Express / Laois Live was on the scene to bring you the latest updates, and hear from local protesters.

One protester, Mr Barry Cuddy, said that protests will remain in place until fuel is capped.

"There's really only one way to resolve it, and that's to cap fuel there's no other way to do it," Mr Cuddy told us.

"There were meetings today and they said they were letting in our organisation, now it's a little bit up in the air. But if they don't let it in- we are where we are, the country is blocked and we're going nowhere," he said.

Mr Cuddy explained that if action isn't taken, the costs will be felt across the country.

"There is no way for me to continue in my job, and there's no way for this country to continue and in anyone's job if the government don't do something," he said.

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"If they stay letting diesel go up and up, inflation is going to go up and up. Everyone will be priced out of a job and then we'll all be on the dole," Mr Cuddy said.

The Portlaoise protesters have been blown away by the support they have received from the public.

"Look around you. Everywhere in this country is blocked up solid," he said.