Fuel Protests Impact Cross-Border Travel in Ireland
Cross-border travel has been disrupted for a second consecutive day due to fuel protests in the Republic of Ireland.
Slow-moving convoys protesting against rising fuel prices, attributed to the US and Israeli conflict with Iran, are present in Dublin and on key roads leading to the city, as well as near other major urban centers.
Gardaí reported that O'Connell Street and O'Connell Bridge in Dublin have come to a standstill.
Dublin Airport has advised passengers to allow extra time for their journeys, while Translink has announced that cross-border services are experiencing delays and disruptions.
All of Translink's X1, X2, X3, and X4 services will terminate at Dublin Airport until further notice.
The protests began on Tuesday morning.
Fuel Price Increases Linked to Middle East Conflict
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has led to rapid increases in petrol and diesel prices.
Approximately 20% of the world's oil trade, which is the raw material for producing petrol and diesel, has been halted due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Fuel prices in the Republic of Ireland have surged to about €2.14 (£1.86) per litre for diesel and approximately €1.91 (£1.66) per litre for petrol, with some locations reporting even higher prices.
Government Response
Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister) Simon Harris is scheduled to hold a meeting later on Wednesday focused on the energy issue.
Roads Affected by Convoys
The convoys have caused delays on several roads, including:
