Farmers dispute causing severe disruption for local commuters

Meath commuters to the soutside of Dublin city centre are facing severe disruption today to their travel arrangements with ongoing blocakdes of farmers protesting over beef prices.

Bus Eireann say that demonstrations taking place in the south city means that services to Navan will commence from Beresford place until further notice. Services from Navan will terminate at O'Connell Street.

The farmers' protest has entered a second day after causing gridlock around St Stephen's Green and Merrion Square last night - and could escalate, amid reports that farmers have called in reinforcements to disrupt the M50 and possibly target main roads on the outskirts of the city.

However, a number of the farmers involved in the protest say they will not leave until the price of beef is addressed and the injunctions against two farmers lifted.

Gardaí said a number of streets in and around St Stephen's Green will remain closed to traffic until further notice.

AA Roadwatch said St Stephen's Green East and North are closed along with Kildare Street and Dawson Street.

Earlsfort Terrace is closed, along with Leeson Street outbound, but traffic can currently use St Stephen's Green South to go from Leeson Street inbound to Cuffe Street. The Kevin Street/Cuffe Street stretch is closed to traffic heading towards St Stephen's Green.

Elsewhere, Merrion Square South and East, and Merrion Street Upper are also closed. 

The group wants better prices for cattle, and said the Government needs to do more for rural Ireland.