Fuel protests ‘unacceptable and irresponsible’, says minister

Ireland’s Minister for Public Expenditure has labelled fuel protests “unacceptable and irresponsible”.

Speaking to reporters at Government buildings on Wednesday morning, Jack Chambers said: “I think some of the protests we’ve seen today are completely unacceptable and irresponsible.

“They’re undermining business in our city and across the country.”

Responding to reports demonstrators have blocked a fuel terminal, he said action is “reckless in the extreme, and they should stand down their protest”.

He said the Government has “constant and regular engagement with the representative groups”, including the Irish Road Haulage Association.

Asked if the Gardai should move protesters who are blocking O’Connell Bridge in Dublin city centre, Mr Chambers said: “They know how to manage protest.”