Irish Road Haulage Association not taking part in fuel protests while in negotiations

The Irish Road Haulage Association has said they will not be taking part in any fuel protests while in negotiations with the Government.

The nationwide protests against soaring fuel prices have continued on Thursday, with convoys of trucks and tractors lining up along the M7 in Laois and elsewhere in the country.

The Irish Road Haulage Association has said they will continue to engage with the Government on a daily basis to achieve further supports for its members in the haulage sector.

In a statement released by the organisation, they said: "We are currently in negotiations with government for more supports for our industry following crippling fuel price increases.

"We reiterate that we will not be taking part in any protest actions whilst we are negotiating in good faith with government – contrary to reports on social media."

READ NEXT: Gardaí and HSE issue pleas as Laois fuel protests continue

The Irish Road Haulage Association said it believes the best way to resolve the issue is through dialogue and that they "will continue ongoing discussions with the Government to bring about further support for our members."

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan has said that large vehicles blocking critical infrastructure would be removed as the protests enter their third day of action. As well as blocking the road network, protesters have also gathered at the country's only refinery, Whitegate in Cork. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee said the Government must respond and the Defence Forces will "respond in the most appropriate way."

She added that those who are actively blocking people from getting fuel, disrupting ambulances, as well as stopping milk and animal feed being transported to and from farms must stop as it is "crossing into criminal behaviour."