Farmers are to protest in Dublin today (Wednesday) over a lack of movement on beef prices, among other issues.

A Garda spokesperson said: "Around 400 tractors [are] expected to converge on the city centre from all around Ireland from early afternoon."

It will be the third protest by individual farmers in the capital in less than two months.

The protest going ahead hinged on progress at last Thursday’s Beef Market Taskforce, which resulted in agreement that the retailers would commit to an independent review on market and customer requirements.

However, there has been little movement on beef price, with the average price still around the 360c/kg mark.

Road closures

This will affect traffic in Dublin from 10am when road closures will come into effect on:

  • Kildare Street.
  • Molesworth Street.
  • St Stephen's Green south.
  • Merrion Square west/south/east.
  • Merrion Street Upper.

    • In addition, gardaí said the following arrangements will apply:

  • Eastbound traffic on Kevin Street will be diverted up New Bride Street.
  • St Stephen's Green north and east will only remain open for public transport from 2pm.

    • "Traffic delays are expected on the main arterial routes into Dublin city centre (N2, N3, N4, N7, N81) from noon when tractors start arriving.

    "Bus corridors will not be impacted and gardaí are advising commuters to avail of public transport where possible.

    "Gardaí are continuing to liaise closely with those organising the protest and traffic updates will be provided on the @gardatraffic Twitter account," the Garda spokesperson said.

    Larger protest

    Daniel Long of the individual farmers has said that farmers are planning to meet in Dublin at 2pm on Wednesday, adding that it will be a “significantly larger” protest than previous ones.

    “It will be a significantly larger protest. There are people coming from all sides of the country; tractors, people on foot, you name it.

    “I suppose they’re there to put out that a lot of the issues that we had the last time don’t seem to be resolved, don’t seem to be progressing,” he told RTÉ’s Today with Seán O’Rourke programme on Tuesday.

    He said farmers will be there to make their point, despite a general election being called, and the vast majority of, if not all, TDs being on the campaign trail.

    “We’re not in control of what’s going on inside Leinster House, but we’re still there to make our point. I assume a lot of the political parties will be outside to try and sell their stall on how they intend to change things and we’ll be there with an open ear to listen.

    “Regardless of a general election or not, the immediate issues that farmers face are still there.

    “There is still a major gap on beef price; there’s still a major gap between ourselves and Europe,” he said.

    The protest will run through Wednesday and potentially into Thursday.

    Read more

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    Beef price update: factories maintaining lid on prices paid