Fuel protesters block Birr Road all day Wednesday

A CONVOY of vehicles blocked Roscrea Road in Birr all day today, (Wednesday the 8th), joining the many other protests right across the country including protests in Banagher and Portumna.

Cllr Seán Maher told The Midland Tribune that he went out to support them and show solidarity with their cause. 

"I fully support the protesters in Birr today," said Cllr Maher. "It's high time for our government to get off their backsides, get back to the Dáil and legislate for the people of Ireland. The Irish people are trying to give them the message but they are not listening."

The convoy stretched from Corrib Oil to Millbrook on Roscrea Road and lasted all day, starting from 7am. The hard shoulder remained open throughout, allowing passage for the emergency services and others.

When planning this nationwide protest the organisers pinpointed the importance of blocking the Shannon crossings. Therefore there were blockades on Banagher Bridge and Portumna Bridge yesterday. It's not certain where they will go tomorrow. Some said Cloghan, others that they'd return to Birr.

Between 100 to 150 vehicles attended today's Roscrea Road protest, including tractors, trucks and cars. Among them was Michael Boylan of the Banagher bus and taxi company Boylan Travel. Michael said his business is suffering acutely because of the fuel crisis. Many of the protesters on Roscrea Road were from the Birr and Banagher areas. (Pictured below at the protest were Cllr Seán Maher (left) and Martin Hogan).