Michael Fitzmaurice, the Independent TD, has welcomed news that the Turkish market is set to open for live cattle exporters from the west of Ireland.
He said that he had worked on the issues for several months and was delighted that a positive outcome had been reached.
“Cattle are now in quarantine awaiting shipping, which is good news,” Deputy Fitzmaurice said.
“I raised the matter of the Department of Agriculture dragging its heels on this issue three weeks ago, but thankfully that problem has been solved and exports can begin in the next two or three weeks.
“This will be good news for the market for weanlings under 340 kg. I have pointed out that 65,000 less cattle were exported in 2015 than was the case in 2010, and it is vital that we export as many cattle as we can on the hoof.”
Deputy Fitzmaurice said that the Turkish market was a “huge one” farmers.
“I am now working hard on the possibilities connected with the Egyptian market and I hope to be able to have good news on that front in the not too distant future,” the Independent TD added.
