Beef factory pickets go on despite High Court order

BEEF protests are continuing outside a number of meat factories, despite an injunction preventing groups from blocking entrances to plants.

Farmers’ group Beef Plan Movement has distanced itself from the unofficial protests, with farmers on the picket saying they are not protesting as part of any group.

On Tuesday, the High Court injunction was granted after an application was made by Dawn Meats in Grannagh and beef processor ABP Food Group.

However, protests continued outside Meadow Meats in Rathdowney, Co. Laois at Dawn Meats in Co. Waterford and in Co. Cork.

Earlier this week, a proposed deal, aimed to get better beef prices for farmers, was rejected by farmers.

Members of the BPM refused to back the outcome of the beef crisis talks, which ended last week.

The proposed deal included a review of the system used to value cattle before they are slaughtered.

Dairy farmer Colm, (who does not want his surname published) said they will continue to protest until the key issues are resolved.

Colm, who has been a dairy farmer for almost ten years, was one of around 15 farmers protesting outside Meadow Meats, Rathdowney.

‘I want my animals to be worth something,’ he said, adding that the protesters are not concerned about the court injunction.

‘The gardaí was there too and they said they heard nothing about the injunction.

‘We are having a peaceful protest, there was no abuse being given and no harm being done.

‘But we are still blocking trucks going in and out of the plant.’