There is further disruption on Ireland's road networks and in Dublin city centre as protests over rising fuel costs caused by war in Iran enter their third day.
Gardaí have requested the assistance of the Defence Forces to remove vehicles blocking critical infrastructure this morning.
The move was confirmed in a statement from Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan, who said the blocking of such infrastructure will not be permitted to continue.
Under law, gardaí can request the assistance of the Defence Forces as an aid to the civil power, and that request was issued overnight.
Minister O'Callaghan said large vehicles blocking infrastructure, such as the Whitegate refinery, will be removed this morning.
Owners of the vehicles are being requested to move them immediately, as they are denying people access to fuel, which was described in the statement as an "unacceptable interference".
The statement adds that owners "should not complain" about any damage caused to vehicles during removal by gardaí and the Defence Forces.
Meanwhile, Dublin Bus has advised customers that a number of road closures will remain in place across the capital this morning as a result of protests and that delays and disruptions are being experienced across the city.
"We wish to advise customers that due to fuel price protests, we are experiencing ongoing severe service disruptions and delays across the Dublin Bus network," Dublin Bus said in a statement.
Green line Luas trams are currently not operating between St Stephen's Green and Dominick due to the protest blocking the tracks at O'Connell Bridge.
#DBSvcUpdate Road closures remain in place this morning as a result of a protest. We are experiencing service disruptions across the Dublin Bus network, please allow additional travel time. More details here:https://t.co/iybbl02cun
— dublinbusnews (@dublinbusnews) April 9, 2026
The protests, which began on Tuesday, have involved slow-moving convoys on motorways as well as the blocking of major roads in Dublin and other cities.
Those taking part included hauliers and agricultural contractors using large trucks and tractors to disrupt traffic.
The demonstrations continued yesterday with escalations including the blockading of fuel depots at the Whitegate oil refinery in Co Cork, a move described by Taoiseach Micheál Martin as "an act of national sabotage".
Green Line passengers, please be advised Green Line services are currently not operating between St. Stephen's Green and Dominick. Services are operating between Broombridge and Dominick and between St. Stephen's Green and Brides Glen only. This is due to a protest at O'Connell…
— Luas (@Luas) April 9, 2026
Protestors yesterday caused gridlock around Dublin city centre and delays were reported in many other locations around the country.
Several tractors were parked along Dublin's O'Connell Street and buses were abandoned on O'Connell Bridge, as farmers and hauliers blocked the busy routes.
Protesters say they want to meet with the Government, but senior ministers say they will, and have, met with nationally representative bodies.
Fuel protests continued overnight in other parts of the country with over 100 farmers and contractors gathered at the docks in Galway city.
A large convoy of trucks and tractors remained in place overnight to block fuel coming into and out of the depot at Galway Port. Access through the docks was given to buses, cars and pedestrians at all times.
This protest focused solely on fuel.
Farmers, hauliers and contractors operated a rotating shift to ensure a continuous presence.
Many who took part had travelled from Mayo and remained overnight as the protest passed off without incident.
Some of those gathered said they remained more defiant in light of the Government agreeing to meet only nationally representative bodies.
Those protesting said these organisations do not support the protest and don't represent them.
Protestors added that they will continue their action until their demand is met for a price cap on both agricultural and white diesel.
Additional reporting Teresa Mannion, PA
