THE GARDA COMMISSIONER has extended the force’s ‘exceptional event’ status for an extra 24 hours to deal with the fall-out from the fuel protests. 

The Journal has learned that gardaí across the country were informed tonight of the move by Commissioner Justin Kelly. 

An ‘exceptional event’ order is rarely used within An Garda Siochána. It essentially means that the commissioner has decided that a grave security threat exists against the State.

Gardaí who were to have rest days across the weekend were expected to show up to work from Saturday until Monday evening after the initial order was announced. All gardaí with public order training have been told to arrive in their protective gear.

Sources have said that the extension now means that the exceptional event status continues until at least Tuesday night. 

A garda spokesman refused to give details on the extension.

“The exceptional event is still in effect at this time. For operational reasons, we are unable to provide specific details regarding these matters,” he said. 

The blockades of fuel depots, ports and the country’s only refinery at Whitegate in Cork have been lifted by protesters. 

Gardaí cleared Galway Port and demonstrators left Foynes, Co Limerick and Rosslare Europort in Wexford earlier today. 

Gardaí have also cleared truck and tractor drivers who were occupying O’Connell Street in Dublin city centre. 

Gardaí are continuing to maintain a presence at all locations as trucks are escorted in and out of the facilities moving fuel to distribution sites. 

Public order units from across the country’s garda regions are deployed as well as uniform and plain clothes officers.