What is behind Ireland’s fuel protests?

Belfast Telegraph ^ | 10 April 2026 | Cillian Sherlock

[Reverend Wright]

Ireland’s Defence Forces have been put “on standby” to assist with clearing blockades outside some of the country’s major fuel depots.

With the nationwide fuel protests entering a fourth day on Friday, here is an explanation of some of the key points.

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TOPICS: Business/Economy
KEYWORDS: ireland; protests

[Reverend Wright]

Significant protests in Ireland, in scale between the Trucker Protest in Canada, and the fuel depot blockades early in the 2000s in Britain.

However, the army is threatened to be deployed, which did not happen in the trucker protests.

[aquila48]

For comparison, 1.94 euros per liter comes to around $8.60 per gallon.

[proust]

I’ve seen rumors of LEOs and Military siding with protestors, for what it’s worth. grain of salt and all that.

[Reverend Wright]

We will have to see.

Here is a police offcer threatening arrest, and the crowd is defiant

https://x.com/BowesChay/status/2042512552907698590

[Redmen4ever]

Ireland’s defense forces?

Ireland spends 0.2 of 1 percent on GDP on defense. Almost nothing. Ireland’s “army” consists of two brigades. The closest thing to an armored vehicle are some APCs. Its “navy” consists of three patrol boats. Its “air force” consists of a small number of helicopters and propeller aircraft none of which are capable of military operations.

Ireland used to embrace UN peacekeeping missions. At least in that sense, Ireland joined in the defense of the civilized world.

But, with the rise of threats to the peace of the world, countries that spend at least 2% of GDP on defense, and maybe 3.5% like we do, should apply a tariff on products of Ireland. Otherwise, Ireland’s being able to engage in trade is due to its being subsidized by others.