LAST UPDATE | 11 Apr

FUEL PRICE PROTESTERS are continuing a blockade down the road from Rosslare Europort and shipments are unable to get through.

Since Thursday, the protesters have parked lorries and tractors at Kilrain, which is around a mile from the port. They are allowing passengers going to and from ferries to pass through.

Iarnród Éireann, the port authority for Rosslare, said pharmaceutical freight was let through for a short time yesterday, but it stopped from yesterday afternoon until earlier today.

“There is currently about a mile of a tail back of trucks,” a spokesperson for the port said.

“We will shortly be facing challenges as we have two ships coming in tomorrow/early Monday morning and once they off-load we will have no further capacity.

“We will then have to turn ships back to wait on anchor out from the port or advise to go to an alternative port.”

The spokesperson said that even once blockades are lifted, it will take time for the area to be cleared. Until then, no more freight will be able to get through.

“The port may need to put restrictions on capacity during this time,” they said.

Farmers, hauliers and bus drivers are among those out in their hundreds this week, as they call on the government for a cap on fuel prices and a suspension of carbon tax.

Unsuccessful talks with government yesterday has meant the blockades stayed in place overnight, entering a fifth day.

The Irish Independent reported that last night protesters at Rosslare burned bonfires by the roadside. 

Local councillor Ger Carthy told The Journal this evening that essential freight – including medical supplies and foodstuffs – is being let pass the blockade, and cars and buses are being let through to the port.

The number of those gathered has increased today, he said. There is a heavy garda presence.

“Everyone would like to see this brought to a successful conclusion sooner rather than later,” he said. “We’re going into Monday, school time, and the government really needs to prioritise this.”

He added that doesn’t think gardaí will respond to Rosslare the same as they have at Whitegate, because the community “always had a great relationship with gardaí, historically”.

“I couldn’t see it happening,” he told The Journal.

“Let’s hope that the government can bring an amicable solution to this issue.”

If there is to be further gardaí action on protesters at the port tomorrow, he said it’s best done through negotiation rather than “pressing any button on the removal of people”.

Carthy understands the protesters’ concerns, but isn’t sure if their aims of a fuel cap and suspension of carbon tax can be achieved.

“The price of fuel is a serious issue in the country, and people probably don’t comply like they used to,” the Independent councillor said.

“Some of [the protesters' demands] can be met, but I don’t believe they all can.” 

Additional reporting by Emma Hickey