National Emergency Coordination Group meets on traffic and transport disruption

The National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) met again today (Friday 10 April) to assess the current and potential impacts of blockades on the transport network, and the consequent effects on the provision of vital services. The NECG brings together all relevant Government Departments and State agencies to coordinate the response to emergencies.

The group was informed that the blockades continue to cause major disruption for the public, pose a threat to supply chains, and to the provision of essential services, including emergency response services and public transport.

Three national fuel depots at Whitegate Refinery, Shannon Foynes Port, and the Port of Galway remain restricted due to the blockades, and movement at the three sites is extremely limited. More than 100 fuel stations are currently out of supply, with the number potentially rising to 500 today. The NECG heard that there are approximately 1,500 fuel stations nationwide. The NECG also heard that there is growing concern from international shipping companies about the ability to offload stock at some Irish ports, and are monitoring the ongoing impact of these delays on their operations. The Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment (DCEE) continues to engage closely with the fuel sector.

An Garda Síochána has engaged extensively with those taking part in fuel protests across the country to facilitate peaceful protest while protecting public safety. An Garda Síochána has moved to an enforcement phase in relation to those impacting on critical infrastructure unless they desist and disperse from these blockades. An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces are working collaboratively in this regard.

Fuel supplies for emergency response vehicles, including those of the National Ambulance Service and fire services, are under increasing pressure as a result of the blockades. These vehicles rely on retail fuel forecourts for their fuel supply through the use of fuel cards.

The NECG heard that from today, fire services across Ireland have had to put in place contingencies to manage the restricted availability of fuel. Fire services will cease non-essential activities (for example, training activities), and responses to non-life threatening call-outs will be restricted in order to preserve fuel.

The NECG was also informed of serious concern about the impact that fuel supply shortages are having on the National Ambulance Service. Contingency arrangements have been put in place to manage the impact of fuel supply shortages. While the National Ambulance Service continues to respond to 999 calls and life-threatening and clinically urgent calls, inter-hospital transfers, and ambulance transport services for routine care and discharges are being curtailed.

A subgroup of the NECG has been established to coordinate contingency measures to address the fuel supply issues facing emergency services.

In order to ease local fuel supply issues, the public is urged to only buy the fuel they need. The public is also warned that storing fuel at home or in unsafe locations presents significant safety risks.

Concern continues about the impact on health service provision, with people continuing to miss scheduled health appointments due to travel issues. The provision of health and social care services is affected, including the provision of home care and critical care such as dialysis and cancer treatment.

It is critical that clear and safe access to healthcare settings is available for all working across our healthcare services, including those who work in our hospitals and those treating and supporting people in their homes or in community settings, for example, home care workers and those delivering the Meals on Wheels service. Attending hospital or receiving treatment in the community, whether in an emergency situation or for a routine appointment, is a vulnerable time for a patient and their family. The critical need for clear and safe access to all healthcare services must be respected to ensure that access to care is never compromised.

The HSE is advising people who missed appointments due to the disruption to contact the relevant service that they had their appointment for, and they will be facilitated with getting another appointment quickly.

In relation to agri-food and fisheries, in addition to the concerns relating to import of critical inputs including animal feed and fertiliser, getting containers out for export to markets around the world is now emerging as a serious concern. This is a significant problem for a sector which exports almost 90% of its production.

The Department of Agriculture has also been informed that restricted diesel supply could begin to affect milk collection from farmers soon.

There are also concerns about animal welfare arising from the severe transport disruption. Farmers and others involved in transporting animals are advised to plan their journey carefully, monitor the situation, have contingency plans in place for delays, ensure adequate resources including carrying enough water, feed and appropriate drinking equipment.

Prolonged journey times are placing a strain on all of the travelling public, as well as those who drive for work. The NECG was updated that the Minister for Transport is considering a request for a temporary derogation of regulations on driving hours and rest times for road hauliers transporting fuel, as reasonable in light of the evolving situation and the anticipated levels of fuel demand when blockades are lifted. This will enable reasonable flexibility for drivers and businesses to keep supply chains moving while also balancing driver welfare and road safety objectives.

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth, has confirmed that school transport services are due to resume on Monday, 13 April, after the Easter holiday period. Bus Éireann is liaising with contractors through local school transport offices to ensure that any disruption to school transport services is limited and localised. Parents are advised that if blockades continue to impact on road access in some parts of the country and challenges continue with fuel distribution, there are likely to be delays and potential service disruption experienced to some services. Bus Éireann will endeavour to advise families of any disruption to services as soon as such information is made available.

The public are advised to plan their journey before travelling and allow extra travel time. The National Transport Authority has a dedicated web page for information on service disruptions. The public can also check https://traffic.tii.ie/ for general traffic alerts. Those using public transport should check with their operators in case of diversions or disruption.

The NECG will meet on an ongoing basis to continue to monitor the situation and will provide regular updates to Government.