LAST UPDATE | 26 Nov 2019

© Joanne Allen

A TRACTOR DEMONSTRATION that has been taking place in Dublin City Centre is set to continue overnight as gardaí announce ongoing road closures. 

Protesting farmers have tonight blocked the Merrion Street entrance of Leinster House, preventing some politicians and Oireachtas staff from exiting this evening. 

Senator Marie Louise O’Donnell, who has been prevented from leaving the grounds, has criticised the farmers for their actions tonight.

Stephen’s Green North is closed with tractors blocking from Hume Street to the top of Kildare Street.

Gardaí said it is anticipated the protest will continue through the night and into tomorrow morning. 

The following roads are also closed:

• Kevin Street
• Cuffe Street
• Kildare Street
• Merrion Square South
• Dawson Street
• Merrion Row

Diversions are in place to help the flow of traffic. 

Farmers from around Ireland travelled to the protest at Merrion Square in tractors and 4x4s earlier today. They parked dozens of tractors in the streets around the Dáil, leading to disruption for bus routes and long delays for rush hour traffic.

Kildare Street was blocked between its Nassau Street and Molesworth Street junctions and there was a significant impact on traffic flow on many busy routes in the city centre.

Today's protest at Merrion Square. Leah Farrell Leah Farrell

AA Roadwatch reported heavy delays on Leeson Street inbound and along the Grand Canal in both directions. It was also busy outbound through Ranelagh village.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath said that the protest is a clear indication of the frustration in rural Ireland.

Eamonn Farrell Eamonn Farrell

Click here to see video footage from the scene

“Minister Creed must wake up and realise that farmers do not have time to wait around for improved conditions or alleviation from punitive carbon tax increases,” he said.

Protestors who are leaving their farms in droves to travel to Dublin today are taking part in an action born out of sheer frustration with the lack of progress on so many issues.

“They look at state agencies like Bord Bia and Teagasc and they do not see organisations that understand the gravity of the threats facing farmers.”

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