REVEALED: Fuel protests cause major disruption across Tipperary

Widespread disruption was reported across County Tipperary today as part of a coordinated national protest over rising fuel costs, with blockades, slow moving convoys and demonstrations affecting key routes throughout the county.

Fuel protests at the M8 near Cashel, the M7 near Limerick formed part of a wider national demonstration today, leading to widespread disruption across County Tipperary and the surrounding region.

A significant protest took place on the M8 near Cashel, where both northbound and southbound traffic was severely impacted.

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A blockade was reported on the southbound carriageway between Junction 6 Horse and Jockey and Junction 7 north of Cashel, while restrictions were also in place on the northbound lanes between Junction 9 and Junction 7.

Cashel town centre experienced heavy congestion as traffic was diverted off the motorway.

Large numbers of vehicles, including trucks, tractors, buses, vans and construction machinery, gathered on the motorway as part of the protest.

The demonstration formed part of a wider national action titled “The People of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest”, which saw similar events take place across the country.

In Tipperary, the protest was led by a group known as 'Tipperary Diesel Crisis'. The group is calling for Government intervention to reduce fuel costs, including further reductions in excise duties, changes to carbon tax measures and a broader review of fuel pricing, particularly for rural communities and businesses.

Organisers indicated that the protest may continue until a response is received from Government.

Councillor Michael “Chicken” Brennan, who attended the protest near Cashel, said rising fuel costs linked to the war in Iran are having a severe impact across multiple sectors in Tipperary.

He highlighted the strain on road hauliers, agricultural contractors, transport providers and those involved in house building.

He said he spoke to a haulier from Littleton who is paying an additional €500 per day in diesel costs to keep five lorries operating.

“He currently has the lorries out but says he can't keep going at €2,500 extra per week,” Cllr Brennan said.

Bus operators, particularly those providing school transport under fixed contracts agreed before the recent surge in fuel prices, are also under increasing financial pressure, he added.

Agricultural contractors are entering one of their busiest periods but have only received a 3 cent reduction in agricultural diesel under the Government’s recent relief measures. According to Cllr Brennan, many contractors indicated that rising costs will have to be passed on to farmers.

The knock-on effects are also being felt in the construction sector. One haulier told the councillor that his brother has been informed the cost of building a house will increase by €25,000 due to the current fuel crisis.

Cllr Brennan, who also spoke on RTÉ Radio One’s Liveline programme, said the Government’s support package has been insufficient, noting that earlier reductions have already been eroded by subsequent price increases.

He called for a pause in carbon tax measures during the crisis and additional supports for key sectors, including haulage, transport and agriculture. He also said that if fuel rationing is introduced, priority should be given to these sectors.

Today’s protests, he said, also exposed a divide between urban and rural Ireland.

“In rural counties, there is a broad understanding of why hauliers have taken this action. People outside the major cities know the cost of fuel is not an abstract policy issue, it is a direct threat to farms, small businesses and essential services,” he said.

“In contrast, the reaction in Dublin has been dominated by frustration. The city came to a standstill, and for many commuters the disruption felt like an unfair burden placed on people who have no control over national fuel policy.”

He said both reactions are valid but reflect different lived experiences, with rural areas heavily dependent on haulage for essential goods and services, while urban areas rely more on mobility and public transport.

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Ahead of the protests, Labour Councillor Louise Morgan Walsh issued a public advisory warning of expected disruption at a number of locations, including the M8 at Cashel, the M7 near Limerick and the N65 at Portumna Bridge.

She expressed support for those taking part, particularly hauliers and agricultural contractors, and said rising fuel costs are placing a significant burden on local industries and communities.

An Garda Síochána confirmed it was aware of planned vehicle gatherings across the country involving convoys of heavy goods vehicles and agricultural machinery. Road users were advised to expect delays, allow additional travel time and follow Garda directions where necessary.

While facilitating peaceful protest, Gardaí also noted the need to balance this with the rights of the public to travel and businesses to operate.

The protests come despite measures introduced by Government on March 24, including reductions in excise duty on diesel and petrol, a cut to the NORA levy and changes to fuel rebates.

The package, estimated to cost €250 million, also included extended fuel allowance supports. However, protestors argue that these measures do not go far enough in addressing the scale of the crisis.

The increase in fuel prices has been linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran, which has raised concerns about supply and contributed to sustained cost increases.

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