Gridlock on M1 and N2 as Gardaí Extend ‘Exceptional Event’ Status

Ardee & Mid Louth News | Traffic & Education Update

Commuters across Mid-Louth and the wider region faced a morning of significant travel chaos as fuel protests enter a new, intensified phase of disruption.

As of 8:45 AM, multiple strategic routes had been targeted by convoys and blockades. In a significant escalation, the Garda Commissioner has extended the declaration of an “Exceptional Event” until Tuesday evening, a move reserved for perceived security threats against the state.

Current Road & Route Disruptions

The local road network is currently heavily impacted by slow-moving protests and stationary blockades:

M1 Southbound: Major tailbacks between Junction 14 (Ardee) and Junction 12 (Dunleer), and between Junction 10 and Junction 9 (Drogheda).
M1 Northbound: Protests active between Junction 15 (Castlebellingham) and Junction 16 (Dundalk North).
N2 Route: A slow-moving protest heading toward Dublin has passed Ardee and Collon and is currently moving through Slane.
M3 Motorway: Closed in Kells from the start of the motorway as far as Junction 8 (Navan South).
N3 Southbound: Impacted by a convoy on the Kells side of Virginia, Co. Cavan.

State Exams Deferred

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has taken the rare step of deferring today’s practical examinations. The Leaving Cert Music and Junior Cycle Home Economics practicals will not go ahead today as the SEC cannot guarantee that students or examiners will be able to reach schools safely.

The National Emergency Coordination Group is urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel and to only purchase essential fuel.

Garda Response and “Exceptional Event”

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has directed that all rest days for members of the force are cancelled until 7:00 PM tomorrow. This extension follows the “Exceptional Event” declaration, indicating that authorities view the ongoing disruption as a serious threat to national stability.

While O’Connell Street in Dublin has been cleared, a heavy Garda presence remains at all major city entrances. Meanwhile, fuel supplies remain a concern; despite some blockades being dispersed, the NECG warns it could take days for deliveries to return to normal levels at local forecourts.

School Transport Update

Despite the disruption to the road network, the Department of Education has confirmed that Bus Éireann school transport services will resume today following the Easter break. Parents are advised to expect delays on routes intersecting with the M1 and N2.

Motorists are advised that fuel distribution and supply chains remain under significant pressure. Check local traffic apps before commencing any essential travel.