The three biggest beef processors in the country are to lay off staff, the Irish Farmers Journal has learned.

Dawn Meats, ABP and Kepak have had factories across the country affected by Beef Plan Movement protests in the past 11 days.

Cattle supplies to factories owned by the three processors have been reduced and the factories are now moving to lay off staff.

Dawn Meats is to lay staff off across all of its sites, the Irish Farmers Journal understands.

ABP, Dawn and Kepak plants are among 22 factories affected by protests. On Tuesday, Meat Industry Ireland (MII) called on the Beef Plan to "abandon their illegal blockades at factories".

Factories affected by protests

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that ABP Cahir, ABP Nenagh, ABP Bandon, ABP Waterford, Dawn Meats Grannagh, Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis, Liffey Meats Ballinasloe, Liffey Meats Ballyjamesduff, Meadow Meats Rathdowney, Slaney Foods and Liffey Meats Hackettstown are not operating.

There was no kill at Kepak Kilbeggan on Tuesday.

Protests have caused disruption, in some cases severe, at Kildare Chilling, ABP Rathkeale, Dawn Meats Slane, Dawn Meats Charleville, Kepak Athleague, Ashbourne Meats Roscrea, Kepak Ennis, Kepak Clonee, Foyle Meats Donegal and ABP Clones.

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The factories are among 22 affected by Beef Plan protests that began on Sunday 28 July. Caitríona Morrissey and Amy Forde report.