'Day of Action' by farmers set to highlight grievances

TRAFFIC DISRUPTION and road closures are expected in Dublin city centre today as an Irish Farmers’ Association protest takes place.

An estimated 10,000 farmers, accompanied by 16 agricultural vehicles, are expected to take part in the “Day of Action”, which is being held to highlight grievances.

The route, from Merrion Square to the Dáil, has changed slightly from the route outlined yesterday. The protesters will now leave Merrion Square south and pass through Ely Place, Hume Street, St Stephen’s Green East, St Stephen’s Green North, Dawson Street, Nassau Street and finally onto Kildare Street.

A stage will be erected at the end of Molesworth Street facing the Dáil for speeches.

Parking on Merrion Square was closed off last night and will not reopen until 6pm today. There is no parking on Molesworth Street from Schoolhouse Lane to the junction of Kildare Street from noon to 6pm today.

Kildare Street will be closed from 12.30pm until approximately 4pm, while there will be rolling road closures in and around Merrion Square, Leesson Street and St Stephen’s Green during the march. AA Roadwatch said traffic delays were expected.

The protest was called to highlight concerns about planned reforms to the Common Agricultural Policy and the upcoming budget. It will also highlight the margins being taken by supermarket chains at the expense of farmers.

IFA president John Bryan said there was strong support for the march and busloads of people from all over the State would close their farms to come to Dublin. He said the vast majority of dairy co-ops, beef, lamb, pig and poultry processors, grain merchants and livestock marts would not accept farm produce today in a show of solidarity with the protesters.

However, some farmers on online discussion boards have expressed reservations about the march, given the difficult financial situation facing most sectors.

Friends of the Irish Environment also opposed the protest, saying proposed Cap reforms were vital and could breathe new life into rural Ireland. Director Tony Lowes said the proposed changes would be “a salvation” for farmers on disadvantaged land as the changes would benefit less intensive farmers. “The result of this reversal in payments would be a transforming boost to rural economies with the payments going directly to small farmers and local economies, supporting towns and villages,” he said.