DISGRUNTLED FARMERS are to disrupt work today on the second-biggest road project in the country in an escalating row with the company carrying out the project.
Farmers will erect blockades on their land near Ballinasloe, Co Galway and prevent construction vehicles working on the €475 million N6 Galway-Ballinasloe road.
One of the farmers organising the blockades, Kevin Dolan, said they would tonight be seeking the support of the Irish Farmers' Association in the county to join the protest. The blockades today are the latest in a series of disputes with N6 (Concession) Ltd, the company building the road.
Less than two weeks ago, another local farmer Padraig Clarke blocked nine dumper trucks and a digger from driving off his land. The situation was only resolved following discussions with N6 (Concession) Ltd.
Mr Dolan, who farms at Poolboy near Ballinasloe, said there had been problems over access to their lands, flooding, discharge of water and other issues.
"We have just had enough . . . We have not been able to work our land and we will be looking to farmers throughout the county to support us, because next year or the year after they could find themselves in the same position."