More boats under inspection for live exports

THE Department of Agriculture is inspecting two further boats for live exports, it has confirmed, as total live export figures for the year are up 30pc.

Currently, there are three dedicated livestock carriers approved by the Department of Agriculture, Michael Creed confirmed in recent days: MV Sarah, MV Alondra and the MV Holstein Express.

The Minister also told Fine Gael TD Fergus O’Dowd that his officials are in the process of completing inspections of two further vessels.

Deputy O’Dowd had questioned Minister Creed in the Dáil last week about how live exports have performed to date in 2018.

Minister Creed said that live exports play a vital role in stimulating price competition and provide an alternative market outlet for farmers, while the ongoing search for new markets is a priority for the Department, particularly in the context of Brexit.

“In 2018, up to November 10, over 227,000 head of cattle were exported. This is a 30pc increase on the period last year,” he said.

Exports to other EU countries significantly increased this year over the same period last year (January to November 10). The largest export market for cattle was Spain with exports of 84,000 head (up from 49,000), followed by the Netherlands at 48,000 (41,000 in 2017) and Italy at 23, 000 (up from 19,000), Minister Creed detailed.

The prospects for live cattle exports remain very good and he said his Department continues to engage with other countries and to seek out new markets for live exports.