Fuel protests: Slow-moving convoys of tractors causing disruption in several parts of the province
Slow-moving convoys of tractors have been causing traffic disruption in a number of parts of the Northern Ireland on Tuesday (April 14).
In a incident update on Tuesday evening (5.40pm), the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) reports the following in relation to fuel protest delays:
- Omagh town centre convoy has cleared.
- Ballygawley Roundabout traffic moving slowly; 25 tractors on roundabout and 30/40 tractors assembled on Old Ballygawley Road to join convoy. PSNI remain on site directing traffic from Enniskillen direction.
- Sheepbridge, Newry, convoy recently pulled out of Park and Ride side onto A1. Moving on one lane – Lane 2 remains open.
- Convoy cleared carriageway in Sprucefield / Hillsborough area. Traffic moving, PSNI believes it will take some time to clear.
Earlier police had warned of delays country bound on the Sydenham by-pass due to slow moving traffic with road users advised to avoid the area if possible and to leave extra time for their journey.
And DfI Trafficwatch (the online information platform had been temporarily out of operation) also reported the following issues earlier on Tuesday:
- Sydenham ByPass (in and out of city), started at 11:20, cleared 13:00;
- A12 Westlink towards York St, started at 14:05, cleared 14:20;
- M2 Hill section city bound towards J2 Greencastle, started 14:10, cleared 14:20;
- Nutts Corner Roundabout, started 14:25 - PSNI removed vehicles from roundabout to Tully Rd; vehicles caused disruption on Tully Rd (towards the International Airport);
- Upper N’ards Rd citybound, started 14:40 (at Rosepark), three tractors driving go-slow.
On Monday evening, DfI said multi-agency partners had met to discuss plans to minimise disruption with a series of fuel protests mooted to take place on Tuesday.
The move followed social media posts flagging up possible protests in a number of parts of the province including Co Antrim, Co Down and Co Tyrone.
In a statement, the Department advised the public to plan journeys in advance and allow extra time when travelling.
It added: “Public and school transport services are expected to operate as normal. Up‑to‑date information on any traffic disruption or road closures will be available on www.trafficwatchni.com .
“The situation will continue to be closely monitored. The PSNI is leading the operational response and will be on hand to support the emergency services in responding to those with urgent medical needs should disruption occur.”
Police say they are maintaining an ongoing assessment in relation to social media posts calling for planned protests across Northern Ireland.
The PSNI added: “A policing response has been prepared, if needed, to ensure public safety and to help minimise any potential disruption to the wider community.”
At the end of last week, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it was aware protests are likely to take place at a number of locations on Tuesday and asked that emergency service vehicles are not impeded.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly have written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging him to take immediate action in response to the escalating impact of rising fuel and energy costs on households and businesses here.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), which is not involved in the mooted action, has urged against the blocking of roads by protestors. A UFU delegation met political parties at Stormont on Monday before travelling to Westminster for a programme of meetings with MPs and peers from across the political spectrum, as pressures mount on farm businesses due to rising fuel, fertiliser and input costs.
Meanwhile, the Irish government announced a package worth €505m (£440m) to support those "most impacted" by rising fuel costs. It came after slow-moving convoys, in protest against high fuel prices, led to considerable travel disruption in the Republic of Ireland, including border areas.