Dublin Bus has warned of “severe delays” across its network as protest activity brought parts of the capital to a standstill for a second consecutive day, with protestors calling for carbon tax to be abolished amid persistently high fuel prices.
In a statement issued this morning, the transport operator said road closures linked to the demonstrations were causing widespread disruption, with services affected across the city centre and beyond.
It said that buses were subject to diversions and curtailed routes due to the ongoing situation.
“We wish to advise customers that due to road closures as a result of a protest we are experiencing service disruptions including severe delays across the Dublin Bus network and diversions in the City Centre,” the company said.
“Southbound: Services will operate to and from Parnell Square only.”
“Northbound: Services will operate to and from Merrion Square and Stepehens Green only.”
“Westbound: Services will operate to and from Hueston Station only.”
Luas services were also impacted, with part of the Green Line suspended through the city centre.
In a notice to passengers this morning, Luas said services were not operating between St Stephen’s Green and Dominick due to protest activity at O’Connell Bridge.
“Passengers, please be advised Green Line services are currently not operating between St. Stephen’s Green and Dominick,” the operator 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.”
Gardaí said traffic in Dublin city centre had been heavily affected, with several key routes brought to a halt.
In a series of updates on social media, they confirmed that O’Connell Street and O’Connell Bridge were at a standstill, with disruption also extending to both the North and South Quays.
“There is ongoing protest activity currently disrupting traffic in Dublin City Centre,” Gardaí said.
“O’Connell Street and O’Connell Bridge are at a standstill, and both the North and South Quays are now also affected.”
They advised motorists to plan their journeys accordingly amid the disruption.
Traffic delays were also reported in multiple counties, with slow-moving convoys affecting routes in Limerick, Cork, Tipperary and Galway.
Gardaí said congestion had been observed on the N21 from Adare towards Limerick city, Ballysimon Road, the Macroom bypass, and sections of the M8, including junctions near Glanmire.
“Slow-moving convoys and significant traffic delays are currently reported at locations including,” Gardaí said.
“Co. Limerick- N21 from Adare towards Limerick city, Co. Limerick- Ballysimon Road [and] Co. Cork- Macroom bypass in both directions.”
They added that disruption had also been reported at Galway Docks and along parts of the M8 in Tipperary.
Gardaí had also indicated that road blocks were possible near Dublin Airport and the Port Tunnel as part of the demonstrations.
The protests are continuing for a second day, following similar disruption on major routes across the country yesterday, when convoys slowed traffic on key roads leading into Dublin.
Protestors are calling for reduction in Government taxes on fuel – in particular, carbon tax – as the ongoing war in Iran causes global energy prices to surge.
