Galway politicians meet with fuel protesters
Queues form at many filling stations around city and county
By Patrick Flaherty
A NUMBER of local and public representatives from Galway city and county met this afternoon with some of those involved in the ongoing protest at Galway docks.
It comes as queues have been forming at several filling stations around the county amid fears of shortages of diesel and petrol.
Fuels for Ireland, the representative body for companies importing, distributing, and selling liquid fuels in Ireland, says it is aware that some forecourts are now running out of stock as a direct result of the blockades at fuel terminals in Foynes and Galway, and at the refinery in Whitegate, Co. Cork.
“The position is straightforward. If access to fuel terminals and refineries is obstructed, fuel cannot be loaded and delivered as normal. If fuel cannot be delivered as normal, stock levels at forecourts cannot be maintained. What we are now seeing at some sites is the inevitable consequence of those blockades,” said CEO Kevin MacPartlan.
The protests are into their third day at Galway docks, where 30 tractors and lorries, alongside 40 to 50 individuals, are stopping any oil tankers from entering or leaving the depot there.
This afternoon’s meeting involved Fine Gael Galway East TD Pete Roche, Fianna Fáil Galway West TD John Connolly and several local councillors meet with a deputation representing the protestors: Noel Connolly, John Dolan and Donal Byrne.
Deputy Roche said it was an opportunity for protestors to voice their concerns, which he said he will relay to his party leader, Tánaiste Simon Harris.
“Noel Connolly is one of the most workmanlike people you could meet. It was great to be invited to speak to him today, as I felt I had a responsibility and an onus to come here try to understand the issues they are facing,” Roche told The Tuam Herald.
“People might suggest that I’m not doing enough, but I have been liaising on the phone over the last few days to try and get a resolution.
“I’m convinced having spoken to my party leader this morning that every possible solution is being considered. I will give the feedback I got at the meeting to him later today so that he gets an idea for what the people on the ground are really feeling.”
Earlier today the Deputy Garda Commissioner Shawna Coxon said that protesters blocking fuel depots and other critical infrastructure were breaking the law. She said gardaí will begin enforcement procedures if people do not disperse.
Threats of intervention from the Irish Defence Forces were also mooted by the Minister of Justice as they look to bring an end to the protesting.
“Forcing people to leave and bullying them into submission is completely unhelpful. What I got from the meeting today is the decency and emotion within this group, who are desperate for a positive outcome. They don’t deserve to be bullied or intimidated.
“Unlike what you hear from other protests around the country, this blockade [Galway] is far more dignified and respectful. The people managing it are decent people, not vigilantes. I will do everything I can to support them.
“But I would be hopeful that if there are any shortages or disruptions of fuel, then maybe the protesters would consider doing something to make sure Galway can still function,” concluded Deputy Roche.