In a statement, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the decision of some protesters to block access to the Whitegate oil refinery in Co Cork was an “outrage”. He said: “It makes absolutely no sense in the fuel crisis we are currently facing. Earlier, Mr Martin described the blocking of traffic in Dublin city centre as “wrong” and said those breaking the law would be penalised. “The protests at the moment are wrong,” Mr Martin said. Simon Harris said there was adequate fuel supply in Ireland (PA)He said that while he respected the right to protest, it was “not acceptable” to turn Dublin’s O’Connell Street “into a car park”.

Source: The Herald April 08, 2026 20:46 UTC