Police in Northern Ireland are assessing social media posts calling for fuel protests similar to those in the Republic of Ireland. A PSNI spokeswoman stated that a policing response has been prepared, if needed, to ensure public safety and minimise disruption to the community.

The assessment follows major protests in the Republic, where hauliers, farmers, and agricultural workers blockaded oil refineries, depots, and motorways starting Tuesday. Those actions disrupted fuel distribution, leaving more than a third of filling stations without supply.

Irish police cleared blockades at the Whitegate oil refinery in Co Cork on Saturday, using pepper spray during clashes with protesters. Defence Forces assisted in removing barriers at Galway docks with heavy-lift trucks.

Other sites including Dublin's O'Connell Street, Rosslare Europort, and a Foynes depot in Co Limerick saw blockades dispersed by Sunday midday. Ireland's National Emergency Coordination Group reported ongoing disruptions to ports, fuel supply chains, road networks, and public transport.

The group expects several days for fuel distribution to normalise and warned against panic buying due to risks to essential services, health care, and business operations. Bus Eireann plans to resume school transport services on Monday.