Hundreds of Irish forecourts run out of fuel as protests continue

Hundreds of Irish forecourts run out of fuel as protests continueJust nowShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleNiall GlynnBBC News NIPA MediaProtesters used tractors and trailers to block the Dublin Road roundabout in County Cavan on FridayHundreds of petrol stations in the Republic of Ireland have run out of fuel as protests over high prices continue for a fifth day.RTÉ said about 500 forecourts had run out of petrol and diesel due to the protests, involving slow-moving convoys made up of vehicles including tractors.The protests have been organised over the issue of high fuel prices caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran.The Irish government confirmed a fuel support package was being finalised after what it described as "constructive engagement" with representatives of the haulage and farming sectors.The blockade of parts of Dublin city centre is continuing, with O'Connell Street and South Quay closed to traffic.Other disruption includes:A blockade on the M50, with parts of the road closedThe M7 at Portlaoise is blocked in both directionsOn the M8, at Cashel south, there is a blockage northboundRoad blocks are reported in Monaghan town and on the N2 bypass, on the M18/N18 in County Clare, and the M20/N20, between Patrickswell and Raheen in County LimerickPA MediaHundreds of forecourts have run out of petrol and diesel due to the protestsPublic transport has also been affected, with some services suspended and major disruption in Dublin.Bus Éireann said it would try to serve Dublin Airport passengers where possible, while people travelling to Shannon and Dublin Airports are advised to allow extra time. An Garda Síochána (Irish police service), has declared an "exceptional event" in response to the fuel protests, allowing it to double the number of officers available to work.'Intensive engagement 'Meetings between Irish ministers and stakeholders are expected to continue over the weekend.On Friday, Tánaiste (Irish Deputy Prime Minister...