NECG Update: Traffic and Transport Disruption Recovery

The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) met today, Monday 13 April, to review and coordinate the remaining impacts of disruption caused by blockades on the transport network and critical national infrastructure.

Blockades at all Irish ports have now ended, with significant work underway to process accumulated cargo. It is expected to take several days before affected ports are fully back to normal operations.

The Minister for Transport has approved an extension of the temporary derogation from certain driving hours and rest period requirements to cover the delivery of all goods within Ireland. This is intended to provide flexibility for drivers in these urgent and exceptional circumstances and support the full recovery of the national energy and food supply chain, while balancing driver welfare and road safety. The derogation widens one approved on 11 April for road hauliers transporting liquid fuel used for home heating oil or as a propellant.

Fuel Supply

Fuel is now moving well from key sites formerly under blockade, though it will take several days for distribution to return to normal. A Government/Industry Group, comprising relevant Government Departments along with representatives from Fuels for Ireland, the National Oil Reserves Agency (NORA), Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and An Garda Síochána, met again today to discuss remaining challenges.

The public is being asked to only buy the fuel they need as local stocks are replenished, to help secure access for essential workers and sectors.

Public Transport and Travel

Public transport is now fully operational, with Dublin Bus and Luas services running as normal. The National Transport Authority has a dedicated web page for information on service disruptions, and the public can check traffic.tii.ie for general traffic alerts.

Emergency Services

Arrangements remain in place to ensure principal response agencies, including the National Ambulance Service, the Fire Service, and the Irish Coast Guard, can access fuel as required. A sub-group of the NECG is coordinating contingency measures to address any fuel supply issues facing emergency services.

Health Services

The HSE is assuring patients that all services are continuing and operational. Unless patients hear from the HSE, they can assume their appointment is going ahead. People are encouraged to allow more travel time to reach appointments, and services will do their best to be flexible with appointment times. The HSE is advising anyone who missed an appointment due to the disruption to contact the relevant service to arrange a new one quickly.

The Department of Health is working with the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to monitor any impacts on the supply of medicines and is satisfied that pharmacies are receiving deliveries. Patients with concerns about their medicine are encouraged to speak with their pharmacist or GP.

The Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) is urging the public to continue supporting local blood donation clinics. Details of clinics are available at giveblood.ie.

Education

Practical examinations for Leaving Certificate Music and Junior Cycle Home Economics scheduled for Tuesday 14 April, and subsequent days, will go ahead as planned. Schools have been updated. The Department of Education and Youth has reassured any students impacted by local disruptions that they will have the opportunity to complete their practical examinations.

Agriculture

The agriculture, food, fisheries, and forestry sectors experienced significant difficulties during the blockades. It is expected that agri-food supply chains will return to normal operations in the coming days.

The NECG will meet again tomorrow and will provide regular updates to Government.