Dublin business leaders have asked the Garda to act to prevent traffic chaos when up to a thousand protesting farmers drive their tractors through the city on Friday.
In a statement this afternoon, Dublin City Business Association (DCBA) said it "deplores the irresponsible action organised by the IFA" in protest at declining agricultural incomes.
The protest will create traffic congestion and impede those who need mobility to carry out their work such as salesmen, tradesmen and taxi and public transport companies, the association claimed, and it has contacted the gardaí to ensure traffic laws are enforced.
The DCBA is also angered by the decision by Dublin City Council to exempt farmers paying parking charges in Merrion Square on Friday. "The rule of law should not be selective with enforcement on a daily basis for two million Dubliners and set aside for farmers," the association said.
It said all sectors of Irish society "have taken pain in the last budget" in order to tackle to current economic downturn.
"If the IFA prefer a policy funded by the Irish and EU taxpayers perhaps it is time to abolish the CAP and open up the market to international producers who are prepared to supply fresh, clean, safe food at competitive prices. This would assist household budgets, reduce inflation and benefit the tourism sector, which is struggling."
:quality(70)/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/irishtimes/e8fa4512-dd7b-401d-9688-d4e6bf1533c3.png)