Temporary injunctions secured against farmers by ABP, Dawn Meats and Slaney Foods have been made permanent on Friday morning.

However, following discussions between farmers' legal representatives and the factories' representatives, ABP, Dawn Meats and Slaney Foods agreed not to seek their legal costs.

The permanent injunction means that farmers are not permitted to block access to and from the factories, trespass or intimidate those entering the factory.

Dawn welcomed the High Court judgement today that named farmer protesters consented to permanent injunctions preventing illegal blockading and intimidation across all plants.

“The permanent injunction extends to all unnamed persons engaging in the illegal blockades and intimidation at all Dawn Meats facilities,” the processor said.

Clarification

In court, it was clarified that peaceful protest is not an issue for the processors.

In the case of Slaney Foods, the factory agreed to adjourn the motion against a Mr Robert Bailey (the fifth named defendant).

The injunctions have been extended permanently and apply to the named farmers and, as is already the case, their agents, servants and anyone with notice of the injunction.

Compliance

Justice Charles Meenan stated that he was satisfied that the order of his court has been and will be complied with.

He commended the farmers for taking legal representation which he said was "entirely appropriate" to do.

In response to an enquiry from legal counsel for the meat processors in relation to people other than those in court having notice of the order and choosing to defy it going forward, the judge said it was somewhat speculative, that the court would have to be satisfied that the parties had notice.

The farmers were advised and represented in court by the IFA's barrister Patricia Hill.

Also in court observing were IFA president Joe Healy, general secretary Damian McDonald, ICSA president Edmond Phelan and Beef Plan Movement co-chairs Hugh Doyle and Eamon Corley.

Minister

A source within the Department of Agriculture said that Minister Michael Creed has again today spoken with the leaders of all the main farm organisations with view to assembling a joint appeal to meat proccessors and to protestors who are continuing activities at meat processing plants across the Country.

It is hoped that a direct appeal from farmers, to protestors, to consider the potential implications of their actions on themselves, fellow farmers and the sector as a whole at this critical time, notwithstanding the extremely difficult circumstances they may be experiencing individually, may prove beneficial in terms of re-establishing round-table dialogue and lead to the withdrawal of legal proceedings by processors.

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