Current fuel protests 'not the answer' as Kilkenny councillor calls for 'cool heads'
There have been widespread delays at petrol stations across County Kilkenny for much of the week
Amid growing frustration over the cost of fuel and ongoing protests, concerns are mounting about the impact on everyday life.
Local Fine Gael councillor, Joe Lyons has urged calm, stating that denying access to fuel is 'not the answer'.
"The hardest hit in today's society, while struggling to survive due to all types of costs, including fuel and ESB, are the smaller businesses, especially across rural Ireland," Cllr Lyons told Kilkenny Live.
"The current protest is impacting many, many people, ordinary workers especially. While its aim is right, holding a country to ransom is wrong. Any protest should be allowed, but cutting off every link to towns and cities is unacceptable.
"There should be access for emergency services, visitors to hospitals in contact with seriously ill family members. It is a time for cool heads to solve this," he continued.
"Blocking fuel distribution centres is not the answer. Protests should be outside the Dàil, also the US and Israeli Embassies, both countries who are the cause of the problem," the local councillor added.
"Poland have cut the vat rate from 23% down to 8%. This is something Ireland can do temporarily and help in some way towards the survival of rural businesses, farmers and everyday workers," he concluded.