Beef dispute talks set to resume Monday

By COLIN BARTLEY

TALKS which could end the blockade of meat processing facilities in Kilkenny are set to resume next Monday.

Agriculture Michael Creed confirmed this morning talks aimed at resolving the beef crisis between farmers and meat processors will resume next week.

“It is clear that this can only happen if processors and protesters step back from Court proceedings and illegal blockades, in order to allow space for meaningful talks to proceed,” the Minister said.

Protests have continued at the Dawn Meats plants in Grannagh and the ABP plant in Ferrybank since farmers decided not to accept the recommendations of the last round of talks, which concluded two weeks ago.

Officials from the Department of Agriculture will contact all stakeholders in the dispute today to confirm a location and a time for talks.