Farmers, contractors and hauliers who are protesting nationwide over the surge in fuel prices have vowed to continue their demonstration for a third day.

The protesters, the majority of whom are not affiliated to the Irish Road Haulage Association or farming organisations, have caused traffic chaos in Dublin City and other major towns around the country since Tuesday.

One of the organisers of the protest, James Geoghegan, told the Irish Farmers Journal that the protesters are “not backing down” and will not stand down the protest until they get a meeting with Government.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin criticised the demonstrators, stating that they could face legal penalties for obstructing traffic and the provision of fuel. Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has condemned the protest, warning that the blockage of ports is stopping the transport of feed ingredients to mills.

Government has refused to meet with the protest organisers, with the Taoiseach saying they will engage with national representative organisations of the farming, agri contractor and road haulage sectors.

Feed and fertiliser

The Irish Grain and Feed Association said feed production was being “seriously hampered” by the protests, while general manager of Grassland Agro Enda McDonald said the company has fertiliser sitting on ships and in-port that it can’t access due to protest action. IFA analysis shows that the impact of the war in the Middle East will drive the cost of inputs, including fuel, up across the board this year.