A group, which calls itself the Irish Truckers and Haulage Association, Against Fuel Prices, has confirmed the date for its second protest.
A Facebook post on Monday, December 6th, 2021 revealed that phase two of its campaign will take place on Monday, December 13th, 2021.
The group is staging what it describes as a “peaceful protest” to call for a “significant drop in fuel costs at the pump for everyone”.
“We want VAT & duty slashed, and we also want the carbon taxes slashed on the cost of fuel at the pump. We won’t be leaving until we get answers,” the group said.
It has urged the nation to “get out on the streets and support us”.
Truckers’ protest
The group has called on all truck operators, hauliers, couriers, van drivers, bus drivers, Irish fishing vessels, taxis, motorbike groups, car groups and the people of rural Ireland to row in behind its efforts.
“Stand up and let your voice be heard; enough is enough. Our country is suffering. We have been punished for the actions of our government.”
“We want everyone out on the day to line the streets and show your support no matter what your view or arguments are.”
“Let’s stand together in unity as a nation. We need to do this; we have no option. Furthermore, we need the support of our people, near and far, in big cities, small towns and the people of rural Ireland.”
“Monday, December 13th, Dublin City and beyond; see you all there. Routes and times will be revealed the day before the protest.”
The group warned that “if we do not see a reduction in fuel costs, everyone will feel the impact”.
“If fuel prices do not come down dramatically, the cost of everything will rise significantly. At the end of the day, this is not just for truckers; it’s for you all.”
The group warned that it would “protest in numbers until we see a significant reduction at the pump and at home for everyone, not just commercial fleets”.
“Now is the time to stand up and fight back. This is the start, and our objective is to have fuel costs slashed.”
Negotiations
Meanwhile, independent TD, Richard O’Donoghue, has declared that he will do his “utmost to support them with a peaceful and diplomatic result”.
He said the Irish Truckers and Hauliers Association approached him to commence negotiations on their behalf.
The deputy has declared that whilst he will support them, he is not involved in organising the protest itself.
He spoke with Minister Eamonn Ryan on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021, to commence negotiations.
“This is at a time when they are fearful of their businesses collapsing over escalating costs,” O’Donoghue said.
“At the time, I discussed figures and calculations and offered a proposed solution on what might be achievable on a short-term basis or at least until the price of oil would reduce somewhat.”
“Minister Ryan agreed that the figures I put forward were correct,” he claimed.
“Minister Ryan assured me that he would speak with Minister O’Donoghue (Finance Minister) regarding what would be feasible to suppress action by this haulier group. As yet, I have had no response from this conversation.”
Organisers of the upcoming truckers’ protest have informed the deputy’s office of their intentions on December 13th, 2021.
“This time, they are involving 26 counties and including heavy and light goods vehicles. They have also indicated that there will not be an end time to the disruption.”
“I want this dispute to be peaceful and without disruption to any business throughout the country,” the deputy concluded.
