Limerick TD and councillors backing national protest against Mercosur deal

A NATIONAL community protest against the Mercosur trade deal is taking place in Athlone, County Westmeath on Saturday January 10 at 11am.

The Independent Ireland organised protest will include a tractor and vehicle cavalcade around the town, crossing the River Shannon and ending in a rally in the indoor sports arena at the Technological University of The Shannon on the old Dublin road.  

READ NEXT: Limerick IFA’s annual Nollaig na mBan lunch on this Saturday

Limerick’s Independent Ireland representatives - party co-founder Deputy Richard O’Donoghue and Cllrs John O’Donoghue and Tommy Hartigan - are all lending their support to the initiative.

Stewards will be on attendance on all approach roads to the town. All vehicles will be asked to park up on holding areas on the approach routes until the protest begins.

A party spokesperson said with the start of 2026, “political pressure is mounting on the Government over its position on the EU–Mercosur trade agreement, which is now entering its final ratification stage”.

From the outset, Ciarán Mullooly MEP has consistently opposed the agreement, tabling multiple resolutions aimed at slowing and scrutinising the process. He has repeatedly warned that Mercosur poses an “existential threat” to the Irish beef sector, comparable to the devastation Brexit inflicted on the fishing industry.

For the best travel advice for those heading to Athlone on Saturday, see the Independent Ireland Facebook page.

Sinn Féin hosted a well-attended public meeting entitled Mercosur - What Now? In the Longcourt House  Hotel at the beginning of December.