Irish police clear fuel price protest blockades after days of disruption

Irish police have cleared blockades in Dublin and other locations that were staged by farmers and hauliers protesting a 20% increase in fuel prices.

The operation took place on the sixth day of protests, with mounted police and hundreds of officers regaining control of O'Connell Street in central Dublin in a peaceful manner on Sunday morning.

Other police units also sealed off a section of Galway city to end a blockade of a fuel depot.

Earlier, police removed protesters from outside the Whitegate oil refinery in County Cork, an action that involved scuffles and the use of pepper spray.

The protests caused significant disruption, including traffic chaos and severe interruptions to fuel distribution.

More than a third of petrol pumps ran dry, and slow-moving convoys of vehicles led to major traffic jams on highways.

Despite these disruptions, a poll indicated that 56% of voters supported the protesters, reflecting wider concerns over the cost of living.

The government is preparing to approve cost-cutting measures aimed at reducing fuel costs and resolving the political crisis triggered by the protests.

The crisis has divided government leaders, with some advocating a tough response against what they describe as "economic sabotage," while others favour accommodation.

The protests have been notable for their coordination despite lacking central leadership or formal organisation.

Protesters included farmers, hauliers, and other groups who staged blockades at Ireland's only oil refinery and several vital fuel depots, preventing tanker trucks from delivering fuel to petrol stations.

Police Commissioner Justin Kelly described the blockades as illegitimate protests that endangered critical infrastructure and public safety.

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