Ireland’s fuel protests will not stop the government’s green agenda from being implemented following its dispersal at the hands of police, a leaked Fine Gael document has claimed.
Parliamentary party briefing notes seen by Gript show that the party plans to declare that the government has emerged victorious over the “illegal blockades” that has overtaken the country over the last week.
It adds that while the government now plans to implement limited measures aimed at reducing fuel costs temporarily, it will remain focused on hitting EU green targets.
“These are temporary measures in response to an exceptional global crisis. Ireland remains fully committed to its climate targets and the transition to cleaner energy,” the briefing document, dated April 12, reads.
The document repeatedly claims that the recent demonstrations in the country had absolutely nothing to do with the newly announced tax reductions on petrol and diesel, insisting that ministers had already been planning the temporary changes.
“In terms of the protests, we have seen illegal blockades cause serious disruption to our economy and wider society,” it reads.
“These illegal actions placed real pressure on essential services and prevented many people from going about their daily lives.”
Fine Gael is also to claim that the response from An Garda Síochána — which in places involved the support of the Armed Forces — was “proportionate” despite fears of escalation both in Ireland and abroad.
The leak follows an official government announcement that it will introduce a further incremental reduction of petrol and diesel duties, as well as introduce specific measures aimed at reducing the burden on fishermen, hauliers and farmers.
Even these small changes may end up being challenged by Brussels, with the leaked document expressing doubts as to whether the changes are legal under EU law.
“There is ongoing close engagement with the EU Commission and a formal application for a derogation has been made,” the document claims.
“We look forward to continuing that engagement this week.”