'We can't maintain supply to forecourts' - Queues at petrol stations as army moves to clear blockades and gardai warn protests threaten food and water supply

"'Men are taking their own lives' - protesters at their wits' end over rising fuel bills dig in."

"'A gun can't be put to the head of Government,' Taoiseach says as army moves to clear blockades."

"Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan met Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly at 7.30pm yesterday as the Government stepped up its response to the blockade."

"'This is being taken extremely seriously at highest level of government. This is going to have to be resolved as soon as possible.'"

Protests in Ireland have escalated, leading to blockades that threaten food and clean water supplies. The Defence Forces confirmed images related to their Lebanon mission. The Taoiseach condemned the protests as 'national sabotage' while the Gardaí called for Army assistance to clear blockades. The situation has intensified with reports of protesters walking on the M50, causing severe traffic delays. Government officials are taking the situation seriously, indicating that immediate action is necessary to restore access to fuel terminals and mitigate the crisis.

Read at Irish Independent