Garda Statement: Fuel Protest Blockades Now Unlawful, Gardaí Move to Enforcement

An Garda Síochána has warned that fuel protest blockades targeting critical infrastructure are now subject to enforcement action, as the force moves beyond engagement and into its enforcement phase.

Deputy Commissioner, Policing Operations, Shawna Coxon said:

"Over the last two days, An Garda Síochána has engaged extensively with those taking part in fuel protests across the country to facilitate peaceful protest while protecting public safety."

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner Coxon outlined that Gardaí had been operating on the basis of the 4Es framework: Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce. She said protestors had been advised that their actions were "severely impacting on the lives of people, particularly emergency workers, those who need to attend hospital, and workers."

However, the Deputy Commissioner said that despite significant and prolonged engagement, some participants had escalated the situation by targeting fuel depots and refineries.

"These are no longer protests, they are blockades," she said. "These blockades are putting at risk supplies of food, fuel, clean water and animal feed. These are critical for the nation and its people. This is not tolerable and is against the law."

Gardaí confirmed that the wilful obstruction of public roads and the movement of vehicles and persons are offences under several statutes, including the Public Order Act and Road Traffic Acts.

Deputy Commissioner Coxon warned that An Garda Síochána is now moving to an enforcement phase in relation to those targeting critical infrastructure, and called on protestors to "immediately cease blockades of such critical infrastructure or face the full rigours of the law."