Full details for Longford people attending the Mercosur protest on Saturday

Organisers of the upcoming national protest against the Mercosur trade deal have confirmed key logistical details ahead of next Saturday's (January 10) demonstration in Athlone. 

The protest, which is backed by Longford based Independent Ireland MEP Ciarán Mullooly and TD Michael Fitzmaurice, is expected to draw a huge crowd from across the farming and rural sectors. A number of haulage companies have also pledged to join the protest as a show of solidarity with the farmers. 

Read More: 'This deal must be stopped': Longford farmers set for national protest against Mercosur 

Here's everything you need to know: 

- The protest will begin at 11 am with a tractor and truck cavalcade assembling at Exit 12 on the Monksland side of Athlone on the N61; before travelling eastbound only towards Exit 9, Garrycastle.

- Organisers have identified two main holding areas for vehicles prior to departure, including sites near Exit 12 and a wide hard shoulder along the Roscommon Road.

- A dedicated area for trucks has also been secured.

General public (walkers and motorists) 

- Protesters who are walking will join and lead the protest to the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS)

- Protesters arriving by car are advised to park at the university and walk back to Garrycastle to join the march. The university and adjacent sports facilities can accommodate up to 700 vehicles.

 - As a contingency, parking is also available at Golden Island in Athlone town centre (free for up to four hours), with local town link buses operating to the university from Willow Park and Garrycastle every 15–20 minutes.

- All traffic travelling west to east face significant delays and will be redirected at times during the day. To minimise disruption to local residents and commuters, participants are asked to avoid unnecessary interference with traffic in the town centre.

Post-cavalcade arrangements

- Once the march reaches the university, the truck and tractor convoy will be redirected to designated off-site parking zones, including Dan’s Tavern, Blyry, Moydrum Road, Cornamaddy, and Athlone Town FC. Shuttle buses will operate between these locations and the university throughout the day.

 - Organisers are also liaising with nearby truck depots to secure additional parking space for larger vehicles. The shuttle service will enter the university through the front gate and exit at the rear, facilitating safe drop-off and collection across all zones.

Directions and safety guidance

- All attendees are asked to follow event signage, waymarking, and directions from designated stewards and the Gardaí throughout the day. Safety marshals will be on-site to assist participants and ensure the event proceeds in a peaceful and organised manner.

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