Thousands expected at Mercosur protest in AthloneOrganisers are expecting between 5,000 and 10,000 people to gather in Athlone this Saturday for a major national protest rally against the EU's proposed Mercosur trade deal with countries in South America. Mr Mullooly said the idea of a tractor cavalcade travelling through the heart of Athlone town was ruled out early on. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice said all other political parties opposed to the Mercosur deal were being invited to the protest on Saturday, and Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon had also been invited. He said he hoped the protest on Saturday would send a clear indication to the Irish Government and to Europe of the level of opposition here to the Mercosur deal. Athlone Independent Ireland councillor Paul Hogan encouraged local communities on the Westmeath and Roscommon sides of the town to support Saturday's national protest rally.

Source: Irish Independent January 07, 2026 21:53 UTC