Beef Plan Protest in Ballyjamesduff

Picketing by the Beef Plan Movement outside of one of the region's largest meat processors, Liffey Meats Ltd in Ballyjamesduff, has caused a several kilometre tailback of trucks and traffic in the south-east Cavan town.

Gardaí are at the scene at present and The Anglo-Celt understands organisers have been warned that they are not allowed to block traffic but only to stage a peaceful protest.

Protestors across the country have been rallying against poor beef prices.

At Liffey Meats protestors have gathered outside the gates. There are approximately 25 protestors, some with signs. Gardai are trying to move the protestors from the road and onto the nearby footpath.

Picketing spread to the Cavan factory on Wednesday night last, and follows similar stand-offs outside plants in the south of the country.

Micheal Rafferty is the local organiser, and urged the protesters to follow the guidance of the gardaí who directed them to move to the footpaths - effectively letting the lorries through. 

But he said to protestors in respect of blocking traffic: “If you want to keep at that its not longer a Beef Plan Protest.”

There has been no confrontation with lorry drivers and, when one tractor and trailer departed from the head of the queue in the direction of Oldcastle, protestors let out a cheer.

In a statement, issued by Meat Industry Ireland, they said the protests will do nothing to resolve the current challenges in the marketplace.

However, the movement has received support from other sectors.

The Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI) earlier this week said members have been in the front line in supporting their beef and suckler farmer clients.

“As FCI members continue to support the picket lines outside meat factories across Ireland, the FCI association’s Executive Council urged members to continue their support of the Beef Plan Movement and their support of their client farmers on a county-by-county basis, in their efforts to get a fair price for beef producers in Ireland,” the statement concluded.