Eel fishermen, whose industry was closed affecting over 180 families nationally, protested today at Tarmonbarry, Co Roscommon.
The group said it has never been properly compensated for the loss of income the workers have experienced since the Government shut down eel fishing on River Shannon inland waterways in 2009.
The move was taken on environmental grounds and was due to be a temporary closure to allow stock of eels to build up on the Shannon system. However, eel fishing is still banned for commercial purposes.
The protesters marched across the bridge and disrupted boats and cruisers who were waiting to have the bridge lifted at Tarmonbarry so they could travel onwards along the River Shannon.
John Rogan, of the Eel Fisherperson's Representative Group, told RTÉ News it was not their intention to disrupt the holidays of visitors to Ireland but they had to highlight the loss of income still being felt by dozens of families.
In a statement the group said: "The Republic of Ireland's Eel Fishing Industry was the only Eel Fishery to be closed in Europe in 2009 on environmental grounds.
"Because it was a temporary closure for three years Eel Fishermen could not seek compensation for the loss of our livelihood, it is still a temporary closure to this day.
"We want a fair and equitable compensation package. The so-called Eel Fisherperson's Support Scheme that was put in place last year was both unfair and inadequate."
A spokesperson for the Department of the Environment said the fishermen only operated licences or permits and never held fishing rights.
They added that the European eel remains on the endangered species list but average payments of €18,000 had been paid to fishermen affected by the ban.
The issue of whether or not more compensation is due is now destined for the courts.
