By Aodhan O’Faolain
High Court proceedings brought against several protesters outside a beef processing plant in Co. Wexford have been struck out following an agreement between the parties.
Late last month, Slaney Foods International unlimited Company secured injunctions against persons it claimed had been blockading its premises at Ryland Lower, Bunclody, Co. Wexford.
The protests are part of the ongoing dispute between farmers and the plants over the price the producers get for their product.
The injunction also restrained the defendants from intimidating or being abusive towards Slaney Foods staff, and visits to the plant.
On Monday, Brian O’Moore SC for the company told Mr. Justice Garrett Simons that following talks between the parties it had been agreed that the proceedings could be struck out.
Counsel said that his client retained the right to return to court and seek its protection if the need arises.
The move comes after separate High Court proceedings brought by other beef processors were struck out last week.
Dawn Meats, seeking to attach and have several protesters committed to prison for the alleged breach of injunctions previously granted by the court in respect of two of its plants, were struck out.
The plants in question were Dawn’s facilities at Rathdowney, Co. Laois, and Grannagh, Co. Kilkenny.
Also on Friday, proceedings brought by Liffey Meats, who had previously obtained injunctions preventing protesters from blockading three of its plants, were struck out on consent following an agreement reach between those parties.