Pickets outside the dual processing plants of Kepak Athleague, Co Roscommon, and Dawn Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, have been stood down.

A statement from the farmers at the Athlegaue picket said they were prepared to allow time for the agreement struck at last weekend’s beef talks to be implemented.

The farmers said they were now looking to other stakeholders in the agreement to follow through on their commitments.

Thanks

The statement said: “A sincere thank you must go to every man, woman and child who took part in or supported the peaceful protest over the last number of weeks.

“People have devoted countless hours of their valuable time to the protest in an effort to highlight the issues within the sector, and for that farmers will be eternally grateful.”

Protests

The farmers said while they were willing to allow time for the agreement to be implemented, they “reserve the right to return to the picket lines in future if sufficient progress is not being made”.

The Irish Farmers Journal also understands that protests outside Meadow Meats Rathdowney and Kepak Kilbeggan have ended.

Farmers ‘making difficult decision to stand down’ thanked

Beef factory protests end in six counties

Pickets at western factories have been stood down

Pickets have ended at Kepak Athleague and Dawn Meats Ballyhaunis following eight weeks of protests.