'Swift action needed by government'

Protestors not afraid of army moving in

MANY protestors are entering their fourth day at Galway docks where they were joined by supporters overnight.

Several filling stations ran dry around the city and county last night after panic-buying saw a surge in fuel sales and long lines towards the pumps.

As yet, there hasn’t been any sign of direct intervention of the Galway blockade by An Garda Siochana or the Defence Forces.

Protester who spoke to The Tuam Herald last evening said they were not afraid and were confident should either arrive, they would fail to bring the protest to an end.

“There has been so much talk of the army landing, but I feel if it does happen, it will send people into a frenzy. The protests will escalate as the public are already behind us,” explained John O’Grady, a truck driver and farmer from Galway.

“I don’t see how the army can solve this problem. It has nothing to do with them,” noted another protestor, who wished to remain anonymous.

“This is a peaceful protest, we are not blocking people doing their daily business, just the oil trucks. Until the government plays ball we will be going nowhere.”

Supporters have dropped food and fuel for fires to the docks since the protest began.

“There is so much stuff being dropped off to us, we could spend a week here,” added John.

“One woman came here this morning wanting to donate to the fund. That doesn’t exist so I took no money off her. But it shows the support we are getting.”

Representatives of the protestors met with several local politicians privately yesterday and it’s unclear as to whether protestors will be represented at national talks with government this afternoon.

Some of those at the docks told The Herald that they want diesel prices capped. They also felt that their views weren’t being reflected by groups such as the IFA or the hauliers group, the IRHA.

Galway East TD Albert Dolan visited the blockade last evening.

“It is always important for me as a local representative in Galway to engage with my constituents. The people here were very respectful of me and happy to share their thoughts and views which I will share with the government,” stated Deputy Dolan.

“Fuel stations across the county are running dry already. There are risks bus operators won’t be able to bring children to school on Monday. We need swift action from the government to stop this happening and that is what I will be calling for.”