UPDATE 12pm Friday:

Protesting farmers at meat processing plants Dawn Meats in Grannagh and ABP in Ferrybank have agreed to suspend their pickets while inspections by a visiting Chinese delegation takes place.

However, pickets will resume outside both plants on Friday and Monday.

Unconditional talks are expected to begin on Monday between Dawn Meats, ABP and independent farmers locally.

In a statement released on Thursday, the farmers said they were pleased the company had agreed to the talks, and hoped the Chinese visit would be a great success.

However, the issue of injunctions remains in contention. Farmers outside Dawn Meats told WLR on Thursday evening that injunctions had been lifted against the protestors, however in a statement released by Dawn Meats on Friday morning this is not the case:

“The injunction has not been lifted and further proceedings are due in the High Court today. We will talk to farmers who supply cattle directly to the facility on Monday. However none of our local suppliers have engaged in the illegal blockade, intimidation and verbal abuse that has occurred this week, so these meetings will not be with the people protesting outside the facility.”

Meanwhile, Beef Plan is urging the Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to immediately reconvene talks to resolve the ongoing dispute – but without meat factories.

Beef Plan’s David Whelehan said: “We’re urging Minister Creed to reconvene the talks urgently. It’s time now to get these issues dealt with.

“To be fair we have no interest anymore in listening to what Meat Industry Ireland has to say. They have stated their position quite clearly.

“Instead of Meat Industry Ireland being brought to the table, why not leave them outside the door this time and bring the retailers in in their place.”