Farmers protest against closure of pig-meat plants

Dozens of pig producers are protesting outside the Department of Agriculture this afternoon demanding that meat processing plants are re-opened.

Pig-meat processors are refusing to reopen their plants until a deal is struck with the Government on a compensation package for the industry.

Hundreds of jobs are hanging in the balance following the recall of Irish pork and bacon products.

Farmers say they are losing a total of around €1m a day due to the shutdown.