THE TAOISEACH’S TRADE mission to Canada has been called off today as the government grapples to deal with the ongoing fuel protests taking place around the country.

The trade mission was due to kick off on Sunday, with the five other government ministers due to travel also.

Over the course of the week, it became increasingly clear that ongoing protests would likely prevent the Taoiseach and the delegation from travelling to Canada.

The trip was aimed at promoting Ireland and seeking out new investment opportunities.

Micheál Martin was to travel to Ottawa and Toronto and he was due to meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Monday.

Other ministers due to travel to Canada were Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon, Minister for Higher Education James Lawless and Minister of State for the Marine, Timmy Dooley.

A meeting is to be held this afternoon between government ministers and a number of representative groups on the ongoing fuel protests. One of the top protest organisers, James Geoghegan, claimed last night that he will also be in attendance. 

However, government sources have indicated today that none of the protesters will be at today’s meeting, which is for official groups.

At the Whitegate Refinery in Cork which has been blockaded for three days, the Garda Public Order Unit are now at the scene with at least a dozen vehicles.  

It is understood that the government is working towards a further package of measures.