Meat Industry Ireland (MII) says some customers in export markets have not received deliveries of beef, due to the ongoing farmer protests outside its factories.

In a statement, it says some 17 plants are now affected with some fully blockaded.

It adds that this is "extremely damaging".

It says that while the ongoing blockades are having "a serious impact for staff, customers and genuine farmer suppliers" with cattle to process, it is "not yet at the stage of white shelves in the domestic market."

It points out that the home market accounts for 10% of all the beef that is produced.

But it says some customers in export markets have not been served in recent days due to the blockages at processing facilities here.

It comes despite a series of High Court injunctions being in place, banning protests outside several factories.

The MII reiterates that "the price pressure in the market at present is reflective of the downturn in demand evident right across the European market.

"Irish cattle price is at the average of EU cattle price.

"MII members remain ready to work constructively with any process the minster might establish with a view to bringing to an end these protests", it adds.

Speaking last week, Irish Farmers Association (IFA) President Joe Healy said the farmers want a better price for their cattle.

He said: "I've a very clear message for [Meat Industry Ireland] - that's to get out of the High Court and get back down to supporting the farmers, and paying a proper price to the farmers that won't lead to any of the distrust and anger that's there.

"Look: this is about saving farmers... this is about saving rural Ireland, and the livelihoods of farm families. That's all we want."

Main image: A group of farmers protesting at the Dawn Meats plant at Grannagh on the Waterford/ Kilkenny border on August 28th, 2019 | Image: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie