Fuel protestors have declared that the “public is with us here” as Ministers have vowed to take action to those behind the disruption. 

Tánaiste Simon Harris had said that blocking the distribution of fuel is a “sinister and despicable attack on our economy”, adding that such behaviour “cannot be tolerated”.

Whereas previously Gardaí have let protests blockade traffic in towns and cities across the country, Deputy Commissioner Shawna Coxon arrests could soon be made. 

“This is not tolerable and it is against the law,” she said. 

“The willful obstruction of public roads and the movement of vehicles and persons are offences under various statues.” 

Fuel protestors. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov/ RollingNews.ie.

On Lunchtime Live, one protestor rejected the idea the protests amounted to a blockade and described them as a “peaceful demonstration”. 

“We're broke, we need a cap on diesel,” he argued. 

“This is a peaceful process… The majority of the public is with us here, we are broke like. 

“Micheál Martin riled up the whole thing yesterday morning on the plinth of Dáil Éireann, saying that it was unlawful, this and whatnot.” 

When asked whether the protestors would let people drive down O’Connell Street, he said many vehicles had been allowed to do so. 

“There's two fire engines got through here this morning and two ambulances,” he said. 

“They're getting through, we're not blocking anyone, we're not blocking essential services. We are peacefully protesting.” 

The protestor said they want a meeting with An Taoiseach to discuss the impact the cost of fuel is having on families and businesses. 

“All these agri and agricultural men and hauliers are going broke,” he said. 

“Is Micheál Martin tone dead? 

“These people are drowning in finance and paying huge taxes, paying 65% of their annual turnover to revenue, to Micheál Martin, to keep him up there in Kildare Street."

Main image: Protestors and supporters on O'Connell Street in Dublin today. A nationwide fuel protest has brought traffic to a standstill in many parts of the country, while a threatened blockade of fuel depots has seen the Government announce it will send the Defence Forces with Gardai to clear protestors. Leah Farrell / © RollingNews.ie