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Meat processor Kepak has blamed ongoing protests and “illegal blockades” for the temporary closure of its beef and lamb processing plants.
The company said it was impossible to continue operations as normal.
“These closures have unfortunately resulted in the temporary lay off of 1,125 staff.
"The personal impacts of these temporary layoffs on Kepak’s staff, who have worked so hard to help build our business, is unwarranted,” Kepak said.
“They are now victims of these illegal blockades.
"Their welfare was a key consideration before reaching this difficult decision.”
EU market
Kepak said the money it paid for meat was on a par with the European market and that it was the EU market which should be challenged to improve prices.
It also said it was prepared, through Meat Industry Ireland, to engage in talks with protesters, but only when “illegal blockading ceases”.
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