Bord Bia has decided not to take legal action against the IFA protestors occupying its Dublin office.

A spokesperson for the food board said Bord Bia values its relationship with farmers and their representative organisations.

“In recognition of this, it has decided not to take legal action against the protestors occupying the Dublin office.

ADVERTISEMENT

“However, the ongoing sit-in has caused significant disruption: over 140 Dublin-based staff have been unable to access their workplace for almost three weeks; transition year placements for 20 students had to be cancelled at short notice; and commercial visits, customer meetings and long-planned events have had to be paused. This disruption will continue while the office is occupied,” the spokesperson said.

Blankets and pillows

Five members of the IFA continue to stage a sit-in in the lobby of the HQ at Pembroke Road in Dublin.

The IFA protest outside the door of the building entered day 23 on Wednesday.

“The area occupied by the protestors is not designed for overnight accommodation, however the sit-in protestors have blankets, pillows and mattresses, and access to a spacious toilet, with both hot and cold running water,” the spokesperson said.

Deliveries of food and medicine are also being facilitated.

“In addition, toilet paper, hand towels and soap are replenished as required in the toilet facilities. There is 24-hour security in place, and a health and safety officer checks on the protestors daily,” the spokesperson added.

Speaking ahead of an IFA meeting on the issue in Claremorris, Co Mayo, on Wednesday night, IFA Connacht regional chair Brendan Golden said that farmers will not have confidence in Bord Bia while the chair’s company is importing Brazilian beef and chicken.

“Farmers cannot understand the stance of the minister on this. He has to realise the damage this is doing to the sector. I have no doubt there will be a strong message from the meeting.”