Almost 30,000 protest against Mercosur deal, say organisers

Almost 30,000 people attended the EU–Mercosur trade deal protest in Athlone on Saturday, organisers have said.

Organised by Independent Ireland, the protest was supported by a range of farming organisations, community groups and political representatives.

While Garda sources placed attendance at around 27,000, stewards on the ground estimated the total number of participants to be closer to 30,000, Independent Ireland said. On the TUS Athlone campus, between the indoor arena and the outdoor sports track, crowds rotated steadily throughout the day, with peak attendance on site estimated at over 7,500 at any one time.

Farmers, hauliers, small business owners, hunting clubs and families travelled from every corner of the country to take part. Many carried placards and banners protesting the importation of cheaper meat from South America, and what they see as a betrayal of Irish food standards and rural livelihoods.

Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice described the day as a turning point.

“The people who turned out are a credit to their communities. They came to make their voices heard – and they did so respectfully, peacefully and with purpose. Rural Ireland stood shoulder to shoulder in Athlone.” Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly said the protest marked the start of a wider campaign to block the deal in the European Parliament.

“We’ve had calls from MEPs across Europe in the last few days. The tide is turning. What happened in Athlone is only the beginning.” Organisers expressed sincere thanks to the people and businesses of Athlone for their patience and support, and paid tribute to An Garda Síochána and the voluntary stewards for their role in ensuring a safe and successful day