Beef farmers from across Clare are into their second day of a round-the-clock protest at the county’s meat processing plant today.
It’s part of a nationwide movement from the Beef Plan Group, which is calling for a fairer price for farmers at a time when they are under severe strain.
Up to 60 farmers descended on Kepak’s meat processing plant here in Tiermaclane, near Ennis, yesterday evening as they mounted the first day of protesting in Clare.
They’re among thousands of farmers from the Beef Plan Movement, who are holding similar demonstrations around the country, saying it’s time a fairer price for their produce was rolled out.
They’re now on their sixth day of protests nationwide.
Liscannor farmer Pat Nagle says unless something changes, farmers’ mental health is at risk.
Today, numbers at the gates of Kepak are low on the ground but they’re expecting an even stronger attendance this evening and into the night.
Gerard Hayes from Kilmihil says unless they make their views known, nothing will change.
Meanwhile, the Beef Plan Group is calling on those breaking their picket lines to remain civil.
It comes as a farmer involved in a Meath protest has been hospitalised after being hit by a lorry at a factory there.
Pat Nagle says they’ve also seen some dangerous behaviour here in Clare and says it’s vital that people on both sides keep their calm.
