WITH the fourth day of fuel protests now in full swing, five fuel trucks have passed the blockade at Foynes Port for the first time in four days.
As reported by RTÉ, protesters say “they are allowing the fuel trucks to leave because the fuel is for use by the emergency services”.
Trucks are also carrying animal feed and chemicals for the treatment of drinking water to leave the port.
On Live 95’s Limerick Today this morning, a heated debate erupted between Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins and Independent Ireland TD Richard O’Donoghue.
Minister Collins accused Deputy O’Donoghue of spreading “lies and misinformation” in relation to the fuel protests.
Mr O’Donoghue shot back at the claims, saying that is not the case and that all protests so far have been peaceful. He argued that the government is out of touch with the working people of Limerick who can no longer afford to go to work due to carbon taxes and high fuel prices.
Labour TD Conor Sheehan who also spoke during the debate said he was deeply concerned about the timing of the protests, particularly in relation to the return of children back to school next week after the Easter break.
A meeting is currently underway between government ministers and representative bodies of farmers and hauliers to discuss supports to deal with the rising cost of fuel.
Four fuel protesters, including one of the campaign leaders John Dallon, were refused entry to the meeting at the Department of Agriculture.
Limerick commuters and motorists now face the weekend unsure about whether they will arrive to work on time on Monday, and when they will be able to next fill up their tanks.