Ciaran Mullooly MEP has called on Brittany Ferries to reconsider its decision to withdraw from transporting Irish livestock to mainland Europe.
The Midlands-North-West MEP met Brittany Ferries Chairman Jean-Marc Roué and Chief Executive Christophe Mathieu at the company’s headquarters in Roscoff, France, where he outlined his concerns about the impact on farmers and livestock exporters.
Mr Mullooly said more than 200,000 Irish calves are exported to mainland Europe in a typical year, in addition to other categories of livestock.
He argued that, as an island nation, Ireland requires adequate maritime capacity to ensure farmers have meaningful access to the European Single Market.
Mr Mullooly also raised concerns about protests and alleged intimidation connected with livestock transport and said lawful trade must be protected.
He said he intends to pursue the issue at national and European level and through appropriate British-Irish forums.
