A truck held up as members of Donegal IFA as they blockade the Donegal / Foyle Meat’s Factory Carrigans as part of there nationwide protest at the low prices being paid for cattle. Photo- Clive Wasson
Donegal beef farmers are currently taking part in a 24 hour protest against plummeting meat prices with a picket at Carrigans Meat Plant.
A large group have gathered at the plant since earlier today as part of the protest.
Donegal IFA Chairman PJ McMonagle giving instructions to the members of Donegal IFA as they blockade the Donegal / Foyle Meat’s Factory Carrigans as part of there nationwide protest at the low prices being paid for cattle. Photo- Clive Wasson
Dozens of protestors carrying placards stood at the entrance of the plant.
The crowd was addressed by PJ McMonagle, chairman of the Donegal IFA.
Farmers say they simply cannot live with the prices being offered for Irish animals.
Farmers in Donegal are getting €350 less per animal than farmers in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
Mr McMonagle said between the meat factories and the supermarkets, the profit is not being passed on to farmers.
He added that the problem of low prices for beef will have a ripple effect for farmers across the country and could put many farmers out of business.
The protest is expected to last until tomorrow afternoon.
Gardai were present at today’s protest but there has been no altercations.
Garda checking out the protest by members of Donegal IFA as they blockade the Donegal / Foyle Meat’s Factory Carrigans as part of there nationwide protest at the low prices being paid for cattle. Photo- Clive Wasson