Traffic Disruptions Expected As Farmers Set To Protest Mercosur Deal

Speeches are set to take place from 1:30pm.

Farmers are planning to stage a protest in Westmeath tomorrow morning over the Mercosur deal.

The demonstration, in protest of the deal which was approved today by the EU, will culminate with a rally and speeches from invited speakers, who are expected to take to the stage at 1:30pm in the Sports Arena.

An Garda Síochána understands that the assembly will involve a number of elements including:

• a convoy of  mainly agricultural vehicles from the N61 Roscommon Road, along the N6 travelling eastbound from Junction 12 to Junction 10, and along the N55 towards the R916, Cornamaddy roundabout
• a march from vicinity of Junction 9 N6 along the R916 to TUS Athlone
• a rally/speeches at TUS Athlone

It is expected that there will be significant additional traffic, including slow moving vehicles, in the N6 area, from Junction 12 to Junction 10, in the morning and over the course of Saturday 10th January 2026.

The N6 eastbound is not expected to be closed.

Members of the public travelling in the affected areas of the N6 Athlone on the 10th January 2026 are asked to plan their journeys during this period to ensure to leave enough time for possible traffic disruptions and to expect some localised delays.

There will be additional traffic, parking and pedestrians in the vicinity of the N55 Cornamaddy roundabout, R916 and environs of TUS Athlone from early morning until the Public Assembly finishes in the afternoon.

An Garda Síochána asks members of public visiting Athlone Town, in particular the environs of TUS Athlone on the 10th January 2026, to be aware of potential traffic delays.

An Garda Síochána has and continues to liaise with Westmeath County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to minimise disruption in the Athlone area on Saturday 10th January 2026.

More from Midlands News

Download Our App