Strong attendance at Mayo fuel protest this morning as further action planned

A national fuel protest that caused widespread traffic congestion and disruption in parts of the country was more subdued in county Mayo this morning but organisers are hoping today’s protest can be the beginning of a series of protests culminating at Dáil Eireann.

Trucks, articulated lorries, tractors, vans and other vehicles formed a convoy beginning at Mulroy’s Circle K at the Breaffy Road roundabout in opposition of the current cost of fuel, green diesel, home heating oil and the overall cost of living.

It continued up Main Street before ending at Bridge Street (Hoban’s) Car Park. The protestors then walked to the Mall where further discussions were held between organisers, local politicians and protestors about the ongoing situation and future protests.

The event was organised by the Mayo branch of Common Rose, a newly formed political party that believes in local voices driving national change. Their local organiser Gerry Tighe said he is happy with the turnout.

“Suggestions are over 100 people have taken part in the initial drive through the town so we’re very happy with the short notice with the actual turnout. It just shows the importance of this situation and how people are hurting and struggling.”

“This is a starting point. We had meetings with local representatives and TDs and are taking it onboard. It has been suggested escalating this protest, if the Government do not respond, to a national protest at Dáil Eireann but we will give Government a chance to respond.” 

The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) and a number of other organisations such as the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) had no involvement in Tuesday morning's protest, which Mr Tighe said was a disappointment.

“It is disappointing these groups have not supported this to date. We need to impress it upon those groups that it affects everyone in the group and they need to be supportive of their members. We need a united front,” said Mr Tighe.

Local councillors Chris Maxwell (Independent Ireland), Patsy O’Brien (Non-party) and Harry Barrett (Non-party) were among those in attendance.

“The government threw a pittance at this 10 days ago and everything is back to square one again,” said Cllr Maxwell. “They have to take action today and the only way to do that is to reduce the tax take on it and that is the only thing going to stop families and businesses, especially small businesses, suffering more pain.”

“This affects everybody,” said Cllr O’Brien. “The biggest issue is the amount of taxation taken from the product itself. People feel the package Government announced is not appropriate for what is happening on the ground. People have had enough.”

“People are stretched to the limit,” said Cllr Barrett. “You have farmers wondering if it is worth it anymore. You have drivers, hauliers who can’t afford to keep going. You have families who cannot afford to heat their homes. The solution is very simple. This Government has to realise its in a wartime economy and it has to drop carbon tax, excise and VAT to give people a chance.”