Contingency plans in place for fire service as a third of forecourts estimated to be out of fuel nationally

The public are being urged to buy only the fuel they need, as a national coordination group warned that fuel supplies for emergency response vehicles, including those of the National Ambulance Service and fire services, are under increasing pressure as a result of the blockades. 

These vehicles rely on retail fuel forecourts for their supply, and from today, fire services across Ireland have had to put in place contingencies to manage the restricted availability of fuel. 

Fire services will cease non-essential activities (for example, training activities), and responses to non-life threatening call-outs will be restricted in order to preserve fuel. Tipperary County Council have been contacted to confirm the contingency plans they have in place.

Meeting today, the National Emergency Coordination Group (NECG) was also informed of serious concern about the impact that fuel supply shortages are having on the National Ambulance Service as inter-hospital transfers, and ambulance transport services for routine care and discharges are being curtailed.

Three national fuel depots at Whitegate Refinery, Shannon Foynes Port, and the Port of Galway remain restricted due to the blockades,

MISSED APPOINTMENTS

Concern continues about the impact on health service provision, with people continuing to miss scheduled health appointments due to travel issues. The provision of health and social care services is affected, including the provision of home care and critical care such as dialysis and cancer treatment.

It is critical, say the emergency group, that clear and safe access to healthcare settings is available for all working across our healthcare services, including those who work in our hospitals and those treating and supporting people in their homes or in community settings.

These include home care workers and those delivering the Meals on Wheels service. The HSE is advising people who missed appointments due to the disruption to contact the relevant service that they had their appointment for, and they will be facilitated with getting another appointment quickly.

MILK SUPPLY

In relation to agri-food and fisheries, in addition to the concerns relating to import of critical inputs including animal feed and fertiliser, getting containers out for export to markets around the world is now emerging as a serious concern. This is a significant problem for a sector which exports almost 90% of its production.

The Department of Agriculture has also been informed that restricted diesel supply could begin to affect milk collection from farmers soon.

There are also concerns about animal welfare arising from the severe transport disruption. Farmers and others involved in transporting animals are advised to plan their journey carefully, monitor the situation, have contingency plans in place for delays, ensure adequate resources including carrying enough water, feed and appropriate drinking equipment.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Bus Éireann, which operates the school transport scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and Youth, has confirmed that school transport services are due to resume on Monday, 13 April, after the Easter holiday period. Bus Éireann is liaising with contractors through local school transport offices to ensure that any disruption to school transport services is limited and localised. Parents are advised that if blockades continue to impact on road access in some parts of the country and challenges continue with fuel distribution, there are likely to be delays and potential service disruption experienced to some services. Bus Éireann will endeavour to advise families of any disruption to services as soon as such information is made available.