Mr Martin warned that he found it "extraordinary" that Ireland had successfully avoided oil supply issues throughout the US-Israel and Iran war only for fuel protestors to trigger supply scares through their blockades. Mr Martin was confronted by a single fuel protestor as he arrived at Coláiste Íosagáin in Ballyvourney, Co Cork. The Taoiseach warned the Whitegate oil refinery in east Cork is critical to the economy. Why blockade Foynes and prevent vital material that is central to the purification of water and public health and the public water supply. People who need access to their jobs, access to the basic essentials of life like fuel and water.

Source: Irish Independent April 09, 2026 08:35 UTC