Slow-moving convoys hits traffic as fuel protest spreads to Northern Ireland

A slow-moving convoy of tractors caused traffic disruption in Belfast on Tuesday as fuel protests spread from Ireland to Northern Ireland.

The disruption occurred near Belfast City Airport, which had warned passengers of potential delays and advised them to allow extra time to reach the airport, The Irish Times reported.

More protests are expected in Northern Ireland after social media posts called for similar blockades to those that disrupted traffic and fuel supplies in Ireland last week over rising energy costs.

On Monday, the Irish government said major roads had reopened after several days of fuel protests disrupted transport networks, fuel supply chains and key infrastructure nationwide.

The demonstrations included the occupation of a major street in central Dublin, along with blockades on motorways and at fuel distribution sites across the country.

Irish broadcaster RTE reported Saturday that around 600 of Ireland’s 1,600 petrol stations had run out of fuel amid blockades of fuel depots.

The government announced Sunday a further €505 million ($590 million) package aimed at reducing fuel costs for farmers and transport operators, but it faces a confidence motion over its handling of the protests.

“The blockade, certainly as a tactic, was not something that was anticipated,” Ireland’s Taoiseach Micheal Martin told reporters ahead of the vote Tuesday.

He also acknowledged that people are under “very significant pressure” due to rising fuel costs.

“There’s always a balance, and one has to distinguish between the blockading of absolutely critical national infrastructure and protest,” he added.