Sea change in port policy needed after Galway fuel blockade

A “sea change” in port policy is needed following the Galway fuel blockade, according to Port of Galway Harbour Master Brian Sheridan.

Published 20th May 2026, 14:56 BST A “sea change” in port policy is needed following the Galway fuel blockade, according to Port of Galway Harbour Master Brian Sheridan. | Inset Photo Joe Shaughnessy A “sea change” in port policy is needed following the Galway fuel blockade, according to Port of Galway Harbour Master Brian Sheridan. Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.

While the six-day blockade at Galway Docks in April disrupted shipping and exposed the fragility of supply lines into the west, councillors were told it had no direct financial impact on the Port of Galway.

Port of Galway Chairperson Maurice O'Gorman and Harbour Master Captain Brian Sheridan spoke to Galway City Councillors about ambitious redevelopment plans for Galway Docks after planning permission was granted last month.

Ports are absolutely essential. It doesn't take long until food disappears from the shelves.

The blockade, which took place from April 7-12, was organised by protesters opposing rising fuel costs and government fuel policies.

Protesters used tractors, trucks and parked vehicles to block access to the fuel depot, disrupting fuel supplies across the west.

Captain Sheridan said the blockade exposed how vulnerable supply lines become when port access is hampered.

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He described how the blockade caused shipping delays, with vessels becoming “bunched up together,” and stressed that the government needs to protect port infrastructure.

He warned that the protest demonstrated just how quickly essential goods could be affected and emphasised the importance of keeping supply routes open.

“Ports are absolutely essential,” he said. “It doesn't take long until food disappears from the shelves. A sea change is needed in how government and policy makers look at our ports and the blockade highlighted this.”

Fianna Fáil Cllr Mike Crowe asked what impact the blockade had on the port's financial position and whether it affected the company’s performance this year.

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Cllr Crowe also questioned whether authorities were “comfortable with how it was addressed at the time”.

“I am aware it affected some businesses for a prolonged period of time,” he said. “Was everything done that could have been done?”

Chairperson Maurice O'Gorman said the blockade had no direct financial impact on the port, but described it as a difficult period for staff.

“There was no financial impact on the port,” he said. “More than anything, it was a difficult time for our staff and they did a tremendous job to keep businesses in Galway going.

Related topics: Galway Docks Ports Councillors Sign up to our Connacht Tribune Today daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Connacht Tribune within your account.