Farmers with fragmented holdings will be hit hardest by rising Irish Water charges next year, according to Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA) Rural Development chairman Tim Farrell, who predicts some bills will rise as much as 78%.

Meat processors continued legal efforts to stop protests at their facilities, with Meat Industry Ireland admitting that some export markets have not be served in recent days due to the blockages at processing facilities.

Talks aimed at resolving the impasse between farmers and beef producers were continuing late last night.

Members of the Irish Cattle & Sheep Farmers’ Association have led two days of price-related protests outside Kepak outside Kepak Athleague, Co Roscommon.

The €40,000 award of damages to hill walker Teresa Wall following a fall on the Wicklow Way is to be challenged in the High Court. Appeal papers are to be lodged within a matter of days, it was confirmed yesterday.