Garda Public Order Unit Arrives at Whitegate Oil Refinery as Protest Enters Third Day
Garda public order units arrive at Whitegate Oil Refinery in east Cork as the protest at Ireland's only oil refinery enters a third day.
A large Garda operation is under way at the Whitegate Oil Refinery in east Cork this morning, with more than 20 Garda vehicles, including public order units, taking up position on the access road to the facility.
The refinery, operated by Irving Oil, is the only oil refinery on the island of Ireland and supplies approximately one third of the country's petrol, diesel, and home heating oil. Protesters have been restricting access to the site since Wednesday evening as part of the ongoing nationwide fuel price protests.
Gardaí are reported to be engaging with protest organisers at the scene. Protest organisers have said they eased restrictions this morning out of concern for householders and emergency services, and have been allowing some delivery trucks to leave the site.
The Irish Times reported that the heavy Garda presence suggests an attempt may be made to achieve a full reopening of the supply route today. The Defence Forces remain on standby to assist An Garda Síochána if required, following confirmation from Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and Defence Minister Helen McEntee on Thursday evening.
This is a developing story. Cork Safety Alerts will provide updates as the situation progresses.