DUBLIN FIRE BRIGADE has said it experienced “significant delays” responding to emergencies this morning due to the ongoing fuel protests in the city. 

It comes after gardaí asked protesters to “facilitate public transport and other traffic” this afternoon as disruptions continue.

Traffic delays remain ongoing in Dublin and in other parts of the country on the second day of the protest action, with tractors parked on O’Connell Street and the quays, leading to diversions and gridlock. 

In a statement this afternoon, Dublin Fire Brigade appealed to those involved “to ensure free passage of all emergency vehicles, both on blue lights heading to an emergency and also returning to base to serve their operational area”.

“Earlier this morning Dublin Fire Brigade experienced significant delays in their response to emergencies, particularly mobilising from Townsend Street HQ,” DFB said.

It said alternative mobilisation routes are being employed, such as the use of empty Luas lines.

“The situation has eased somewhat, due to the excellent cooperation with An Garda Síochána, liaising with protesters and clearing routes for our vehicles,” it added. 

“We continue to work with the other emergency services to ensure operational readiness and emergency access, and we ask all involved to be extra vigilant and compliant when they hear emergency sirens approaching.”

DFB urged protesters not to wait until emergency vehicles reach blockades and to “please allow the other blocked traffic through in advance, so the route is clear for our vehicles to approach”.

‘Significant disruption’

In a statement earlier this afternoon, gardaí said they have been engaging with “those involved in the fuel protests around the country, seeking to work with them to mitigate the negative impact these protests are having on the lives of their communities”.

“While these protests have been peaceful, they are causing significant disruption for people in some parts of the country,” the statement said.

“While An Garda Síochána respects and facilitates the right to peaceful protest, An Garda Síochána must also balance and protect the rights of individuals to travel freely and commercial organisations to conduct business.”

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They said they have received reports of “emergency workers being delayed or not being able to travel to their work, of people not being able to attend hospital appointments or visit loved ones who are ill”.

They also said businesses and employees have been “heavily impacted” by public transport disruptions.

Gardaí said policing response to the protests takes into account “relevant legislation and public safety” and they have “no role in permitting or authorising public gatherings or protests”.

“There is no permit required in order to organise any protest.”

Earlier today, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said that disrupting people’s lives and hospital appointments is “not something that is acceptable”.