Transport disruption in Dublin has entered a third day, as the Government confirmed that the Defence Forces have been requested to assist in removing protest blockades impacting critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued this morning, Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said it is “well established in law” that the Defence Forces may support An Garda Síochána in aid of the civil power when requested.
He confirmed that such a request has now been made in response to ongoing protests.
“The blocking of critical national infrastructure will not be permitted to continue and the assistance of the Defence Forces has been requested,” he said.
“Large vehicles blocking critical infrastructure will be removed. Owners of those vehicles should remove them immediately this morning and should not complain later about any damage caused to those vehicles during removal.”
He added that denying access to essential resources such as fuel and clean water represents “an unacceptable interference in the most basic of human rights.”
Dublin Bus said fuel price demonstrations were continuing to impact services, with widespread cancellations, diversions, and curtailed routes in place across the capital.
The company said a large number of services had been cancelled during the morning period due to the protests, while dozens of routes were operating with altered termini in an effort to navigate blockages in the city centre.
It warned that the disruption was affecting the network more broadly, with delays expected across multiple corridors.
Separately, Luas confirmed that part of the Green Line remains out of service due to protest activity at O’Connell Bridge.
In an update issued at 7:40 a.m. on Thursday, the operator said services were not running between St Stephen’s Green and Dominick, while operating normally on other sections of the line.
“Passengers, please be advised Green Line services are currently not operating between St. Stephen’s Green and Dominick,” the notice said.
“Services are operating between Broombridge and Dominick and between St. Stephen’s Green and Brides Glen only. This is due to a protest at O’Connell Bridge. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Traffic disruption has also intensified across the wider road network, with demonstrators restricting access to College Green and maintaining positions along both the North and South Quays.
Motorway operators reported congestion on several major routes into Dublin, including the M50 southbound between junctions 4 and 6 and again between junctions 12 and 13.
Delays were also reported on the N3/M3, N4/M4, N7, and M1 routes, with additional closures affecting sections of the M7, M8, and M18.
Political reaction to the protests has continued, with senior Government figures criticising the blockades of fuel infrastructure.
Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said access to fuel is “essential for our citizens and businesses,” and warned that decision-making cannot be dictated by an unelected group.
“This disruption is being caused by a small group of protesters,” he said.
“The Government is listening and understands the real challenges people are facing.”
“Rising fuel costs are placing significant pressure on households and businesses alike.”
O’Brien also said that while the right to protest is fundamental, unlawful activity carries consequences under the law.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the blockade of the State’s only oil refinery in Whitegate as an “act of national sabotage,” warning of its potential impact.
“It makes absolutely no sense in the fuel crisis we are currently facing,” he said.
“It is beyond belief that people would seek to deny people around the country access to vital fuels. Businesses and people’s livelihoods depend on this fuel. It is an outrage.”
Tánaiste Simon Harris also criticised the blockades, describing them as a “sinister and despicable attack on our economy and our society.”
“This is not a lawless country,” he said.
“The laws of the land must and will be applied without fear.”
The protests follow similar disruption over the previous two days, during which parts of Dublin city centre were brought to a standstill, with demonstrators calling for reductions in fuel-related taxes amid rising energy costs.