Protests by French farmers over poor prices continue to hit Ireland.

Action by French beef and dairy farmers has escalated in the past couple of days, leading to what Meat Industry Ireland (MII) described as “effective retailer shutdown” in many parts of the country.

Verona Murphy, president of the Irish Road Haulage Association, said Irish produce is having difficulty making it to market.

“We’re seeing Irish beef, lamb, fish and pharmaceuticals finding it difficult to get to market in France. Produce is being held up by a couple of days and then retailers are getting double the produce on one day when they might not need it,” Murphy said.

MII director Joe Ryan said the action by the French is affecting the Irish lamb trade in particular.

The IFA is lobbying for a resolution.