The Irish Exporters Association has warned today that the country’s export economy risks being damaged by the escalating blockade by fuel protesters and urged the Government to intervene as a matter of urgency.
The IEA said that exporters are raising issues about difficulties accessing plants for both employees and critical supplies as well as for the shipment of goods and are deeply concerned about the impact on their business.
Simon McKeever, the chief executive of the IEA, said the protests are causing serious disruption to critical supply chains essential to the normal operation of exporting businesses.
“Exporters are already dealing with the increased risk and costs arising from the disruption to global trade because of the war around the Straits of Hormuz and are telling me that these blockades are adversely affecting their business,” he said.
Mr McKeever said that current global events are beyond our control, but these blockades are not.
“We recognise that we are all facing increased costs in both business and our personal lives, however these blockades are not helpful to either the overall economy or our international reputation,” he said.
“We urge all protesters to lift the blockades before more damage is done to the economy and call for all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue with Government. We welcome the meeting this afternoon,” he stated.
