*Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) with protestors on the M18.
ROAD BLOCKS need to be removed from the M18 “as a matter of critical urgency,” a Clare TD has said following his meeting with protestors.
Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) met with fuel crisis protestors at junction 11 of the M18 on Thursday evening. They have mounted road blocks at both junction 11 and junction 14 of the M18 in Newmarket-on-Fergus and Barefield.
Negotiations are to commence at Government buildings on Friday afternoon at 14:30 but protestors in Clare remain intent on keeping their blockades in place along the M18. Clare TD, Timmy Dooley (FF) will be part of the negotiating team for the Government, “we’re meeting with representative groupings who have been invited, who they choose to bring with them is a matter for the representative bodies,” he stated on Thursday night.
On Thursday evening, Deputy Crowe spoke with protestors on both the northbound and southbound lanes of the M18 at junction 11 in Newmarket-on-Fergus.
In a statement to The Clare Echo, Meelick native Crowe said of the meeting, “I told them that I respect their right to protest and whilst I didn’t have any ground-breaking news to share with them I undertook to bring their messages back to government. Following my meeting with the protesters I phoned the Taoiseach to relay these messages. I know many of the protesters personally, they are hauliers, farmers, bus drivers and self-employed construction workers who are at the ‘pin of their collar’. For everyone’s sale I hope to see things de-escalate in the quickest possible time and as an elected representative of the county I will continue to advocate for a workable resolution for all.
“I think it’s important to state that whilst at the protest I witnessed how emergency vehicles are able to pass the protest area without any impediment or delay. The protest is, however, disruptive for people trying to get to and from work and important personal appointments, for this reason it is imperative that we see a resolution and removal of all blockages as a matter of critical urgency,” Crowe added.
Kilrush based Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) was concerned any input of the Defence Forces or Army in trying to quell the protests would be a step in the wrong direction.
He stated, “Ireland is facing a critical juncture in its history and politics. The potential involvement of the army in removing protestors would mark a deeply concerning turning point. This situation transcends mere fuel costs, it’s about our fundamental right to be heard. In times of austerity, leadership should foster unity, seeking solutions that uphold understanding, balance, and respect. Ignoring, dividing, and refusing engagement mirrors trends seen elsewhere, contrasting sharply with the values Ireland has long cherished. I firmly believe that losing sight of the skill, necessity, and power of communication signifies a true loss of governance ability”.
Contact has also been made with the organisers of the fuel protest in Co Clare by Cllr Tommy Guilfoyle (SF). “I have raised various concerns relayed to me by the greater public. The protest has stated that any medical emergency or medical appointment will be facilitated, they said use the hard shoulder and speak to one of the protesters and you will be able to pass. The inflammatory words of Taoiseach Micheál Martin has poured fuel on the fire of the current fuel protests”.
