Fuel protest planned to continue in Laois

The fuel protest is expected to continue for a third day as organisers announce a plan to gather in Laois again tomorrow. 

The protest against high fuel prices continued in Portlaoise today along the M7 between Junction 16 and 18 with both lanes blocked.

This has resulted in heavy traffic driving through Portlaoise in both direction which would otherwise have used the motorway. 

Gardaí in Portlaoise say the traffic is moving but it is slow and particularly slow at peak times. They are urging people to plan their journey and allow extra time. They said roads adjacent to the motorway are very congested.    

The protest is planned to continue in Portlaoise tomorrow.  

“The Gardaí have been notified in advance of Thursday’s nationwide fuel protest and are aware of the planned convoy routes and meeting points across the country.

We ask everyone to protest safely and respectfully, and to keep all emergency routes and hard shoulders clear at all times,” a post on social media stated. 

WATCH: Protest in Portlaoise stops M7 traffic

“We are asking everyone who is not driving in the convoys to come out and support us from bridges, roadsides, town approaches, and safe public areas, waving Irish flags in solidarity.    Show the country that the people are united,” they stated. 

Protesters are due to meet in Portlaoise tomorrow morning at 7am and move off at 7.30am. 

It’s part of a national campaign aimed at lowering the price of fuel which is heavily taxed. Protests are planned for Dublin, Waterford, Wexford, Sligo, Donegal, Clare, Limerick, Cork, Portlaoise, Tullamore, Portumna, Banagher Bridge, Athlone and surrounding counties. 

Meanwhile, the HSE issued some advice to people who have medical appointments. 

“The HSE Dublin and Midlands Health Region is unaware of any disruption to healthcare services locally. However, if people are concerned about running late or missing their healthcare appointment, they should make contact with their service provider directly,” they stated.

Gardaí issued a statement asking protesters to engage with Gardai locally and to facilitate important diversion and emergency routes.