Irish fuel protests escalate, government pledges emergency support package

Ireland faces its fourth day of major disruptions as fuel price protesters blockade key roads nationwide, including the M1 near Dundalk. Convoys of tractors and trucks have slowed travel to a crawl, triggering mounting frustration. Emergency services fear fuel shortages, with operations already strained across hospitals and first responder fleets. Officials warn ambulance and fire services rely on fuel card access at local stations, which are increasingly under pressure. The government has respo