The Irish Farmers' Association has called for the Government to urgently intervene to ensure continued ferry access for cattle to continental Europe.
The farmers' concerns follow last week's announcement by the P & O Ferry group that it is withdrawing its ship on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route from 19 December.
The IFA Livestock Chairman, John Bryan, said today that the Minister for Agriculture, Mary Coughlan, and the Government should guarantee farmers and live exporters continued roll on/roll off ferry access to export markets.
Mr Bryan said that while Ms Coughlan says she is totally committed to live exports, the deadline to deliver on this important issue is rapidly approaching and it is essential the Government takes action at this stage on alternative arrangements.
The live export trade is worth over €150 million annually and involves the export of over 200,000 animals to markets such as Spain, Italy, Holland and France.
Mr Bryan said that he was aware that some parties have expressed an interest in developing a new ferry facility from Ireland to Europe that would carry livestock.
He said they were currently examining the options on the Rosslare - Cherbourg route.
