The road hauliers' protest throughout the southern region was described as a success by the protesters, who received almost universal public support.
Mr Sean Delaney, treasurer of the Irish Road Haulage Association, said he was extremely happy with the outcome of the protest which had involved 400 truckers. Of that number, 200 gathered at the Dunkettle roundabout, severely restricting traffic on the main Cork-Dublin approaches. However, traffic continued to move at all times.
Mr Delaney said the public had shown great support and was obviously sympathetic towards the truckers' plight.
At Ballincollig, one of Cork's main satellite towns, gardai were forced to intervene when some truckers early in the day threatened to block off access. However, within a short time, roads were freed up again.
The Jack Lynch Tunnel in Cork, one of the busiest traffic intersections in the city, was blocked for a short time prior to lunch-time.
In north Cork, the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who was on a two-day visit to the region, saw the effects of the truckers' action for himself.
Mr Ahern reiterated the Government would deal with the concern of truckers in the Budget.