BANTRY'S Maxol filling station has been without petrol since lunchtime on Thursday, and there is no indication of when it will be resupplied.

Meanwhile, another of Bantry's filling stations, Circle K, continues to show a steady stream of motorists queuing to fill their tanks as the fuel crisis and the blockade of the Whitegate refinery continues.

Motorists are hoping that a meeting between government ministers and protest representatives later today will result in an end to the blockage.

The Southern Star has been informed that the Health Service Executive South West has stepped in to actively manage the fuel supply issue claiming: 'It has the potential to impact service delivery across Cork and Kerry.'

As a precaution, a spokesperson for the HSE said local contingency plans have been activated, and senior management teams are maintaining close operational oversight to ensure the continued safety of patients and staff.

Critical services, including emergency care, urgent patient transport and time‑sensitive treatments, such as dialysis, oncology, complex paediatric cases, bowel care and urgent care, will be prioritised.

Services have been directed to review staffing, transport, supplies and discharge arrangements to minimise disruption, and non‑urgent activity may be deferred where necessary.

The spokesperson said: 'HSE South West is working closely with national colleagues and relevant agencies to monitor the situation.'

The HSE is also advising members of the public attending appointments to contact the service directly, if they are concerned about being late or missing their appointments.