Two more county councils have passed motions or adopted positions in relation to the ongoing dispute between the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) and Bord Bia.

In a post on X, the IFA said that Laois and Roscommon county councils have now taken official stances in relation to the issue.

The farm organisations said that both county councils "support our position".

It is understood that 10 local authorities have now passed motions in relation to the controversy surrounding Bord Bia chairperson Larry Murrin.

All of these county councils have supported the IFA's stance in some form or another, with most of the councils calling outright for Murrin to resign or be removed, over his company, Dawn Farm Foods, sourcing some beef from Brazil.

It is understood that Roscommon County Council specifically discussed the IFA's proposal for a review under 'any other business' (AOB) in a council meeting yesterday (Monday, February 23).

The councillors unanimously supported the IFA's terms; namely that a review into Bord Bia should take place and that Murrin should step aside from his duties as chair for the duration of that review; and that if these conditions are met, the IFA would end its protest at the Bord Bia offices.

Sources in the county council indicated that councillors were of the view that, if Murrin did not step aside for the duration of the review, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon should step in to remove him from his duties.

It is understood the Laois County Council, on the other hand, did not discuss the IFA review proposal framework specifically, instead addressing the matter of whether Larry Murrin should stay or go.

The text of the motion, which was put forward by Fine Gael councillors, said: "We now request that Laois County Council, in light of the ongoing issues as highlighted by the IFA, call on the chairman of Bord Bia to step aside with immediate effect".

Sources in Laois County Council indicated that the motion got the support of all councillors present.

IFA meetings

Meanwhile, the IFA has organised two meetings on the issue this week for its members, following a large meeting last week in Claremorris.

A meeting will take place this evening (Tuesday, February 24) at the Clanard Court Hotel, Athy, Co. Kildare.

The meeting is set to begin at 8:00p.m, with IFA president Francie Gorman set to speak at it.

A further meeting is planned for tomorrow night (Wednesday, February 24) at the Cavan Crystal Hotel in Cavan town.

This meeting is also scheduled to begin at 8:00p.m, and Gorman is also set to speak there.