'A protest can be effective without a blockade' - Kilkenny plea to 'restore order'

Devon MP Rebecca Smith has warned of the affects of fuel tax on rural people (Image- Creative Commons, CC BY-NC 4.0)

placeholder image — Devon MP Rebecca Smith has warned of the affects of fuel tax on rural people (Image- Creative Commons, CC BY-NC 4.0)

Fuel supply fears are escalating amid ongoing protests and disruptions in Kilkenny and nationwide

Ceann Comhairle and TD for Carlow-Kilkenny, John McGuinness has called on the government to meet fuel protest organisers and relevant bodies to help ease tensions, while warning that rising fuel costs are severely impacting businesses and vulnerable households. He stressed the need for urgent support as the cost-of-living crisis deepens.

"The government can bring the protest to an end by meeting those who organised the protest," Deputy McGuinness told Kilkenny Live.

"I have called on the government to do this in an effort to de-escalate the current situation. I have already met a number of groups whose businesses are badly affected by the cost of fuel.

"I found all of them to be reasonable. They want to protect their livelihoods and families. Their backs are to the wall and they need government support. Reduce excise duty and other taxes on fuel or cap fuel prices on a temporary rolling basis while the crisis continues," he continued.

"The blockade is unacceptable. The protest group must have respect for others going about their business on a daily basis and immediately take action to restore order. A protest can be effective without a blockade," the local Fianna Fáil TD added.

"The elderly and those suffering fuel poverty need immediate help to warm their homes. Buying home heating oil in 5-gallon containers is not sustainable for them but it does point to a broader cost of living crisis," Mr McGuinness concluded.