Pressure mounted on protesters to step down from beef factory picket lines across the country, after one such demonstration that had prompted legal threats came to an end.

The owner of several meat factories has told the High Court that protests at one of its processing plants have escalated since it secured an injunction restraining the blockading of their factories and the intimidation of staff and suppliers.

Workers who have lost their jobs at Dawn Meats in Midleton, Co Cork will have their case referred to the Labour Court, it has been announced.