Garda Commissioner declares national fuel protests an 'exceptional event'; Ambulance and fire services to curtail operations due to fuel shortages

"Three national fuel depots at Whitegate refinery, Shannon Foynes port and the Port of Galway remain restricted due to the blockades, and movement at the three sites is extremely limited."

"Fire services across Ireland have had to put in place contingencies to manage the restricted availability of fuel. Fire services will cease non-essential activities and responses to non-life threatening call-outs will be restricted in order to preserve fuel."

"The NECG also heard that there is growing concern from international shipping companies about the ability to offload stock at some Irish ports and are monitoring the ongoing impact of these delays on their operations."

Ireland's National Emergency Co-ordination Group reported that fuel supply disruptions could leave 500 fuel stations without supply. Currently, over 100 stations are out of fuel due to blockades at three national depots. Concerns are rising among international shipping companies regarding delays at Irish ports. Emergency response vehicles are facing increasing pressure, prompting fire services to limit non-essential activities and restrict responses to non-life threatening calls. The National Ambulance Service is also affected, with contingency plans implemented to manage the fuel shortages.

Read at Irish Independent