Airport passengers are walking along the side of the M50 to catch their flights due to protests

DOZENS OF PEOPLE have been spotted walking along the hard shoulder of the M50 northbound with suitcases this afternoon, as the motorway remains heavily congested as a result of fuel price protests.

The M50 is essentially a car park at the moment, as a slow-moving convoy of protesters travelled along the northbound road earlier this afternoon.

According to Transport Infrastructure Ireland, there’s currently only one northbound lane open past Junction 6 (Blanchardstown) at the moment.

In a video seen by The Journal, a number of people could be seen leaving vehicles along the northbound stretch of the M50 this afternoon between junctions 4 and 5, suitcases in hand.

People pictured with suitcases along the hard shoulder of the M50 this afternoon. PA Wire

Similar traffic disruptions can be found across the country again this evening, as protests over the government’s response to rising fuel prices continue.

Major roads (including motorways and Dublin’s O’Connell Street) have been blocked, fuel facilities have been blockaded and public transport has been disrupted.

The government’s emergency group has heard that if the protests persist, drinking water, medical supplies, school bus services and food supplies could be impacted.

Dublin Airport has urged passengers to allow extra time for their journeys to the airport this evening.

📢 Passenger Advisory: 16.30

Passengers travelling to and from Dublin Airport this evening are advised to allow extra time for their journey due to protest activity causing traffic disruption on roads approaching the airport, including the M1 and M50.

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) April 9, 2026

Dublin Airport previously urged passengers who were due to travel via the M50 to “take alternative routes to the airport to avoid delays”.