IFA hits back at employers association

The Irish Farmers Association has launched a strong attack on the employer's body IBEC following its criticisms of the Association's demand for proper compensation for farmers affected by road buuilding projects.

8,000 farmers along the routes affected are refusing to co-operate with the National Roads Authority until an adequate compensation package is put in place.

IBEC says the entire project could be undermined by what it calls "unwarranted intervention" by farming interests motivated to achieve short-term financial gain at the expense of the community.

But the IFA's Francis Fanning says it is IBEC's intervention which raises questions.

He said" I can't believe how they could think they have any right to come into the arena to start talking about this particular debate."

"Their attempt to interfere and undermine the negotiations is totally unacceptable."