Disruptions predicted as third day of protest planned for Sligo town

Sligo town will again be hit with traffic delays on Thursday, as the third day of fuel protests is organised.

The protest is part of the wider national action that has caused disruptions across the country this week in response to the Government’s handling of the fuel crisis, which has caused severe traffic congestion in Dublin city and other parts of the country.

The exact times that vehicles will approach Sligo town are not clear, as conflicting times are circulating in WhatsApp groups used to organise the action; however, it will be from early in the morning again.

Organisers have stressed that this is intended to be a silent and peaceful protest.

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“We will distance ourselves from any bad behaviour or anyone that sets out to cause trouble,” they said earlier in the week.

“Please obey marshals, keep lane discipline, and all hard shoulders must remain CLEAR at all times for emergency vehicles.“

An Gardaí have warned that “significant additional traffic” is expected from around 8 am, with slow-moving vehicles, including HGVs, agricultural and plant vehicles on national roads and in large urban areas across the country.

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An Gardaí have said they are “not in a position to provide accurate or detailed advice to the general public at this time.” 

“While An Garda Síochána facilitates peaceful protest, An Garda Síochána must also balance and protect the rights of individuals to travel freely and commercial organisations to conduct business.”

“Any Garda activity in relation to evolving events involves a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety.”