By Dan Walsh
County Wexford Chamber has called for an urgent deescalation of the fuel protests currently causing disruption across the country, warning that the impact is being felt acutely by Wexford businesses, including those with significant logistics and supply chain operations.
County Wexford is a strategically important logistics county, home to many businesses operating large-scale distribution, transport and manufacturing activities. With Rosslare Europort playing a critical role in regional and national trade, continued disruption to fuel supply and transport networks is putting business operations at risk and creating uncertainty for employers and workers alike.
Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber, said: “County Wexford has a strong logistics base, with many businesses relying on the efficient movement of goods through road networks and Rosslare Europort. We are already hearing from members whose logistics operations are effectively stalled, with knock-on impacts for production, exports and employment.
“Fuel price pressures are a real and ongoing challenge for businesses, but the problem is being compounded locally by the blockage of national transport routes and disruption to fuel distribution. Prolonged disruption risks damaging business confidence, supply chains, connectivity for shipping line customers and County Wexford’s reputation as a reliable place to do business.”
Ms Roche added that while the right to protest is respected, businesses need certainty. “In a county where logistics, agri-food, manufacturing and export-led companies are central to the local economy, disruption of this scale has a significant impact.”
The concerns raised in County Wexford reflect the picture emerging nationwide, with Chambers Ireland, the national body representing Chambers of Commerce across the country, also urging an immediate end to the disruption.
Chambers Ireland has warned that prolonged disruption to transport networks and fuel depots has seen companies reporting supply delays, reduced consumer activity and difficulties for staff commuting to and from work.
Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland, said; “Our economy relies on the efficient movement of people and goods, and any prolonged impact to this freedom risks undermining business confidence.
“Constructive engagement offers the best path forward. We need to see a shift away from disruption and towards solutions that protect both livelihoods and economic stability.”
County Wexford Chamber echoed this call, stressing that an immediate move towards dialogue and engagement is essential to protect jobs, trade and economic activity across the county.
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