IGFA concern over impact of fuel protests on animal feed supplies
The Irish Grain and Feed Association (IGFA) has voiced concern about the potential impact of fuel protests at ports on animal feed supplies.
The IGFA represents compound feed manufacturers, feed material importers, grain intake and premix companies in Ireland.
The association said that the protests taking place are currently blocking access to Foynes and Ringaskiddy ports.
"This is creating huge problems for many mills as they do not have access to vital feed materials.
"These materials are needed to manufacture feed for farmers throughout the country," Maeve Whyte, IGFA director general, told Agriland.
Animal feed
The IGFA said that storage at mills is very limited and this, combined with the lack of time given to prepare, means feed production is being seriously hampered.
"The longer this goes on, the bigger the risk for animal welfare.
"We need access to these feed materials as soon as possible so that our farming customers can continue to properly feed and protect the health of their animals," Whyte said.
Fuel protest
Agriland understands that a group of up to 50 people, including contractors, hauliers and members of the public, have been protesting over fuel costs since yesterday at Foynes Port in Co. Limerick.
One agricultural contractor told Agriland that the group will facilitate access for emergency vehicles to the port where it is understood there are several boats docked.
He said that the current high fuel prices are causing both financial and mental stress to contractors, adding that the situation could potentially put people out of business.
The contractor estimated that he would need an additional €70,000 in cash flow for fuel alone to fund his business this year.
He has called on the government to offer a carbon tax rebate or suspension for agri-contractors due to the inflated price of fuel caused by the war in the Middle East.
Elsewhere, slow moving convoys of tractors, trucks and other vehicles are back some of the country's main roads today.
Major routes around Dublin city centre were cut off as tractors and lorries were parked up on O’Connell Street.
Speaking outside Government Buildings earlier, both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris were critical of the nationwide fuel price protests which began yesterday.
The Tánaiste said the protests were not in the national interests while the Taoiseach described them as "wrong" because they prevented people from going about their "day-to-day activities".
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that plans are being made for a third day of protests over fuel costs.
The People Of Ireland Against Fuel Prices Protest group said on social media: “Gardaí have been notified in advance of Thursday’s nationwide fuel protest and are aware of the planned convoy routes and meeting points across the country”.
