The recent fuel protests pierced the national consciousness in a way other protests have not: they were disruptive, lasted six days across multiple locations, and put the cost of living and of fuel in particular at the centre of public discourse. When the protesters were finally dispersed, the dramatic events came to a close. But they are likely to open a new era in contemporary Irish protest. Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU later this year will likely bring more protests, civil disobedience and direct action.

While protest can be perceived as an inconvenience, this May Day it is important to recall the vital role it plays in a vibrant democracy for securing rights, advancing a better standard of living and furthering social justice.

Protest is on the rise in Ireland. An Garda Síochána recorded a 12 per cent increase in the number of protests in 2025. Most have very little impact on people. Many of us are aware of only a small proportion of them, like the large-scale marches against genocide in Palestine, acts of civil disobedience at Shannon Airport, or those that descend into widespread violence.

The severe disruption to Ireland’s transport infrastructure brought protest centre stage. We all felt their impact in our daily lives. For the first time in many years, the right to protest – and its limits – was one of the most important questions in the public sphere.

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