Medical Council Calls for Clear Access to Healthcare Services Amid Ongoing Protests
Friday, 10th April 2026: The Medical Council of Ireland is expressing serious concern about the impact that ongoing fuel price protests are having on patients' ability to access healthcare services across the country.
Disruption to road networks is affecting patients attending hospital and GP appointments, delaying healthcare staff from reaching those in their care, and hampering the ability of emergency services to respond to life-threatening situations. Patient safety depends on timely access to care including for those attending routine appointments and for those in emergency situations alike. We are calling on all those involved to ensure that approaches to hospitals, GP practices, and all healthcare facilities remain clear, and that emergency vehicles are given free passage at all times.
Of particular concern is the disruption being caused to public transport routes. Many of the most vulnerable in our society, including older people, those living with disabilities, and those who are unwell or infirm, rely on public transport as their only means of reaching a doctor, a hospital, or a treatment centre. Disruption to these routes does not simply cause inconvenience, for some patients it means being unable to access care they cannot afford to miss.
We acknowledge that causing harm to patients or disrupting healthcare access is not the intention of those involved in the protests. However, the reality is that this is the impact being felt on the ground, and we would ask that those involved take steps to ensure that the most vulnerable in our communities are not inadvertently placed at risk.
Dr Suzanne Crowe, President of the Medical Council, said: "We understand that many people are under enormous financial pressure and we recognise the frustration that has led to these protests. However, patient safety is our primary concern, and we are deeply worried about the impact that delays to emergency services and healthcare access can have. In medicine, minutes matter, a delayed ambulance or a patient unable to reach hospital can have consequences that are simply irreversible. We are asking everyone involved to please be conscious of that.
"Healthcare workers across the country, particularly those commuting to Dublin hospitals, are facing serious difficulties getting to work due to protest related disruptions on major routes including the M50, M1, M7, M4 and M11."
Dr Maria O'Kane, CEO of the Medical Council, said: "Our focus at all times is on protecting patients, and it is that concern which leads us to speak out today. We hope to see a swift resolution to this situation. In the meantime, we are asking those involved in the protests to keep access routes to hospitals and healthcare centres open and to ensure that emergency vehicles can pass freely without delay. These are basic protections that must be maintained regardless of the circumstances."
The Medical Council urges anyone with a healthcare appointment to allow extra travel time, to check routes in advance, and to contact their hospital or GP practice if they are unable to attend. In a medical emergency, please call 999 or 112 without delay.