Traffic Disruption Expected Across Cork This Morning as Nationwide Fuel Protests Get Underway
Whilst hauliers have distanced themselves from the planned protests, it's worth taking note if you're on the roads this morning as disruption is likely.
Motorists across Cork are being advised to expect significant traffic disruption as a nationwide fuel protest gets underway this morning, with multiple slow-moving convoy routes planned across the city and county.
An Garda Síochána issued a public advisory ahead of the planned vehicle gatherings, confirming that convoys of vehicles, including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles, are expected to gather at various locations nationwide. The convoys are expected to travel primarily along National Primary Routes, with some remaining in regional locations and others travelling to Dublin.
Gardaí expect significant additional traffic, including slow-moving vehicles, on main arterials leading to Dublin and in the vicinity of large urban areas from 08:00hrs.
The following rolling convoy routes have been announced for the Cork area:
- Ballincollig to Jack Lynch Tunnel and return
- Watergrasshill to Jack Lynch Tunnel and return
- Midleton to Little Island and return
- Mallow to Blarney and return
- Macroom Bypass and return
- Clonakilty to Skibbereen and return
Convoys began gathering from 7:00am, with routes moving off at various times through the morning.
Motorists should expect slow-moving traffic, heavy congestion, and knock-on delays across the wider city network, particularly around the Jack Lynch Tunnel, N40 South Ring Road, and main approach roads into Cork city.
The Irish Road Haulage Association has distanced itself from the planned action. The IRHA suspended its own planned protest last month to allow for ongoing talks with the Transport Minister.
Gardaí have noted that they have had limited interaction with those organising the convoys, as the majority of organisation has taken place on social media platforms and messaging apps. An Garda Síochána has said it is not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the public at this time.
An Garda Síochána has stated it respects the constitutional rights of citizens to protest peacefully, while also noting its obligation to balance those rights against the freedom of individuals to travel and the ability of commercial organisations to conduct business.
If you have work or appointments this morning, please allow extra travel time or consider alternative routes where possible.
