Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice, says farmers signed up to the schemes in good faith, but they've been abandoned by the Government.

The plummeting temperatures are having a serious impact on farmers particularly those in areas hit by snowfall.

They received the money under Farm Assist or the Rural Social Scheme.

Hundreds of farmers are expected to drive through cities, towns and villages across the country this evening as protests continue across the continent.

Independent TD for Roscommon-Galway, Michael Fitzmaurice made comments at last weeks Oireachtas Agriculture Committee meeting that a negative image of agriculture is being portrayed in the media and in schools.

Ash dieback is a serious disease of ash trees caused by a fungal pathogen that results in the eventual death of the tree and the weakening of its branches.

Locals and farmers are to gather at the Meelick Weir from 1 o'clock.

Farmers are being urged to store equipment in secure areas, use wheel locks and invest in an alarms where possible.