M1 disruption continues in Dundalk as fuel protests cause major delays at key junctions

Traffic disruption and long waits on the M1 are continuing around Dundalk this afternoon as fuel protesters and rolling conveys are causing congestion at Junction 16 and 18 in the north and south of the town. 

Long lines stretched on both sides of the M1 at 2pm this afternoon as traffic moved slowly off the motorway at Junction 16.

Calls were issued on social media for protesters to meet up at the Dundalk Retail Park at 7am this morning.

Organisers have pledged to continue the measures until a meeting with government is facilitated.

Fuel protests across Ireland have caused significant delays to traffic and the blocking of critical infrastructure is "not tolerable and is against the law", say Gardaí.

Speaking today, Deputy Commissioner, Policing Operations, Shawna Coxon said:

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"Over the last two days, An Garda Síochána has engaged extensively with those taking part in fuel protests across the country to facilitate peaceful protest while protecting public safety.

"In line with our tradition of policing by consent, An Garda Síochána has been operating on the basis of the 4Es – Engage, Explain, Encourage and Enforce.

"Yesterday, we advised protestors that they were severely impacting on the lives of people, particularly emergency workers, those who need to attend hospital, and workers. "Despite our significant and prolonged engagement, which has included explaining and encouraging protestors to facilitate free movement of traffic, it is clear that some people have significantly escalated an already difficult situation by targeting critical infrastructure such as fuel depots and refineries.

"These are no longer protests, they are blockades. "These blockades are putting at risk supplies of food, fuel, clean water and animal feed. These are critical for the nation and its people.

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"The wilful obstruction of public roads and the movement of vehicles and persons are offences under various statutes including the Public Order Act and Road Traffic Acts. "As part of our well-established graduated policing response in dealing with protests, An Garda Síochána is now moving to an enforcement phase in relation to those impacting on critical infrastructure unless they desist and disperse from these blockades. "An Garda Síochána is advising protestors to immediately cease blockades of such critical infrastructure or face the full rigours of the law.