Young farmers have been walking through the night as part of a march to highlight the challenges facing young people in rural Ireland.

Members of 'Macra na Feirme' began the 79km walk from their headquarters in Athy to Merrion Square yesterday afternoon.

They have been on the march ever since, with just a two-hour break to rest tired limbs during the night.

The group's concerns include lack of access to housing, healthcare and the Government's failure to plan for the future of rural communities.

"Something needs to change"

Shane Cranny from Moynalty Macra in County Meath told Newstalk that something has to change to give rural communities a future.

“Young people are leaving this country in their droves,” he said.

“The ones that are staying behind can’t afford to buy a house, can’t afford to rent a house - a lot of people in their 30s are still living at home - and it’s not right.

“Something needs to change; we need to be able to afford houses of our own.”

"Few sore feet"

The young farmers travelled nearly 50km on foot overnight and will deliver speeches in Merrion Square this afternoon before marching on to the Department of An Taoiseach.

Speaking to Newstalk at Castlewarden this morning, Macra President John Keane said the marchers already had a few blisters, but were determined to keep going.

“All in all, it’s going well – spirits are still very high,” he said.

“Few sore feet and a few blisters appearing but we hopefully will make it the rest of the journey anyway.

“We are gathering in Merrion Square from 1pm. The walkers should be arriving into Merion Square shortly after 1pm.

“We have a couple of addresses to outline our key concerns - our key issues - from affordable housing to access to healthcare and support for young farmers.

“Then we are going to the offices of the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to hand in a letter.”

March

Meanwhile, Macra president-elect Elaine Houlihan said the 79km walk was a massive undertaking.

“I am quite hopeful that this will show the Government that we are quite serious that we want to stay in rural Ireland,” she said.

“It wasn’t a decision that was made easily. This is a massive undertaking to walk 79km from Athy to Dublin with this message.

“I hope there is engagement. If we do need to take a step further, I suppose that is something we’ll have to wait and see what next we’ll actually do.”

The marchers aim to make it to Merrion Square by lunchtime today.