Tractors stand blocking O'Connell Street and O'Connell Bridge in Dublin city centre on Wednesday as part of the ongoing national fuel prices protest. Photograph: Bryan O’BrienFuel protest organisers have promised another “massive” nationwide demonstration on Thursday after blockades and slow-moving convoys caused significant disruption across the country. Protests escalated as they entered a second day on Wednesday, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin condemning the blockade of the State’s only oil refinery as an “act of national sabotage”. Organisers pledged to continue protesting until they secure a meeting over rising fuel costs, though the Taoiseach has insisted the Government would only meet with “representative organisations”. The action drew condemnation from Government figures, with the Taoiseach criticising protesters for threatening to turn Dublin’s O’Connell Street “into a car park”.

Source: The Irish Times April 08, 2026 21:34 UTC