Dublin airport travel warning as fuel protests lead to ‘five-hour’ trip from Belfast

Drivers have taken to the streets in slow-moving convoys for a second day in protest at rising fuel prices

A number of public transport providers have warned passengers travelling on their services to Dublin Airport to allow extra time for their journeys, as one commuter from Northern Ireland told how it took five hours to travel from Belfast to the airport on Tuesday.

Slow-moving convoys have taken to the streets of Dublin for a second day in protest at rising fuel prices as a result of the US and Israel’s war in Iran.

Fuel prices in the Republic of Ireland have soared to around €1.91 (£1.66) per litre of petrol and €2.14 (£1.86) per litre of diesel.

Last month, the Irish Government announced that excise duty on diesel will be reduced by 20 cents per litre and petrol by 15 cents per litre.

As the protests continue, Gardaí have warned of possible road blocks to Dublin Airport and the Port Tunnel.

One commuter told Belfast Live how they endured a five-hour journey to the airport on Tuesday, April, amid ongoing protests blocking roads.

The person, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It took five hours to get to the airport from Belfast, and we ended up missing our flight; it was a disaster.”

In a social media post, Dublin Airport said: “Passengers travelling to and from Dublin Airport today are advised to allow extra time for their journey due to the possibility of protest activity causing traffic disruption on roads around the airport.”

A spokesperson for Dublin Express said: “There are a number of delays and diversions to Dublin Express services due to the ongoing disruption in Dublin city centre. We are advising customers to allow significant extra time for their journeys and to check our social media channels @dublinexpress for the latest updates to services.”

A Translink spokesperson added: “Due to fuel price protests in the Dublin area, there has been some disruption to Translink coach services to Dublin / Dublin Airport today.

“Customers using these services should leave extra time for their journey and keep up to date with the latest travel alerts on the Translink website – https://www.translink.co.uk/service-incidents and via Socials.”

This comes as oil prices plummeted overnight after the US and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire deal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Responding to the latest developments in the Middle East, Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee said: “I welcome events overnight which mark a potentially important turning point after what was a dangerous and unprecedented escalation across the Middle East in recent days. I also welcome the announcement that the United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire and to enter negotiations. This offers a critical opportunity to reduce tensions and will bring relief to millions affected by conflict.

“I commend the efforts of Pakistan, alongside Türkiye and Egypt, in supporting dialogue. Ireland has consistently called for diplomacy and for all parties to uphold international law.

“Any ceasefire must be comprehensive and include Lebanon, and I call on Hezbollah and Israel to cease attacks and military operations.

“The Strait of Hormuz must open and remain safe to pass. The protection of civilians must remain paramount, and all parties must uphold their obligations under international law.

“I urge all parties to de-escalate and engage in negotiations towards a durable ceasefire and a lasting, peaceful resolution.”

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