Cork Chamber calls for end to disruption and road blockages impacting businesses

Cork Chamber, the voice of business in Cork, has expressed concern about the ongoing fuel protests and their impact on businesses, and urged those involved to engage in discussion through the appropriate channels and end current disruption immediately.

Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, said, “Ongoing protests and road blockages are having a significant impact on business operations, commuters and the general public across the country. The situation has escalated considerably over the past 24 hours in Cork, resulting in major disruption for businesses and communities in the city and county.

“Protests blocking access to the Port of Cork and the Ringaskiddy area are a cause for serious concern, impacting critical national trade routes and essential economic activity across many sectors. The ongoing blockages have also resulted in serious disruption for the many businesses operating in the area and the considerable number of workers commuting to and from these businesses.

“The ongoing situation at the oil refinery in Whitegate represents another considerable escalation of current disruption. Blockages of fuel transport and delivery at the refinery have a serious impact on the supply of fuel across the country and will have far-reaching consequences for all sectors of the economy and society if they continue. It is unacceptable that forecourts are running dry unnecessarily and this cannot be allowed to continue.”

Cork Chamber President, Rob Horgan, said, “Cork Chamber has actively engaged with government on the impact of increased energy costs on the business community and will continue to advocate for supports to mitigate the impact of the rising cost burden on businesses.

“While many businesses have genuine concerns about rising costs and the ongoing energy situation as a result of the current geopolitical environment, the current and ongoing actions are having a disproportionate impact on businesses, particularly SMEs, and communities across the country. Current road and facilities blockages in Cork will have a national knock-on impact on many sectors of the economy, disrupting vital fuel supplies and trade flows.

“Meaningful engagement through the appropriate and established channels must be prioritised in the days ahead, with an immediate end to the ongoing blockages to avoid further disruption to businesses and communities. Any prolonged period of disruption to business operations, fuel supply, trade and transport will have a serious lasting impact on Ireland’s economy.”