The heat came on construction giants BAM in Wexford last Friday as farmers and residents staged a day-long protest at the M11 motorway project site offices.

According to Wexford IFA chairman James Kehoe, the action was “a last resort” following a complete failure by BAM to address issues that have arisen over the course of the build of 33km of motorway and a further 12km of dual and single carriageway roads.

The final straw was the proposed August closure of a road containing the access to the main Boortmalt intake point for much of Co Wexford. Other issues included drainage, site access and fencing, affecting residents, farmers, and local businesses alike.

IFA representatives

Addressing the nearly 200 farmers who gathered across the day, IFA south Leinster chair Tom Short said that IFA representatives were “verbally abused” by BAM representatives at a meeting earlier in the week to address the difficulties being experienced.

The protest began at 6.45am, being called off in mid-afternoon as tensions escalated.

Kehoe said that the issues must be addressed by meaningful engagement or further action may be necessary.