Here, news2day's Florence Okojie, tells us all about one of the big stories that is dominating the news in Ireland right now - fuel protests.
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Viewers might remember a few weeks ago we explained to you why fuel prices had risen as a result of the US and Israel's attack on Iran.
It led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz - a waterway in which 20% of the world's oil and natural gas passes through. Oil prices increased rapidly, making petrol and diesel far more expensive. Last week there was major disruption with fuel protests taking place in many parts of the country. Here's what you need to know.
Last Tuesday, farmers, hauliers and others from the agricultural sector took part in demonstrations across the country, protesting against the increase in fuel prices. They took to the roads with their tractors and trucks and brought parts of the country to a standstill. They wanted a limit on fuel prices and demanded that the government get rid of the carbon tax, a tax, which is added to fossil fuels in order to help reduce CO2 emissions in Ireland.
Roads were closured in parts of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway, with protesters also blocking fuel depots and the Irving Oil Whitegate Refinery in Cork, Ireland’s only oil refinery. Fuel deliveries were severely impacted, leaving hundreds of forecourts without fuel.
Over the weekend, hundreds of gardaí were involved in removing blockades, protesters and vehicles from Dublin's O'Connell Street, Galway Port and Whitegate in Cork. And after nearly a week of demonstrations, Taoiseach Michael Martin announced €500 million euros worth of measures to support those struggling with rising energy costs.
Representative groups such as the Irish Road Haulage Association have welcomed the package however others still remain unsatisfied, with protests continuing to take place in certain parts of the country.
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