Irish livestock exporters must receive a guarantee that they will continue to have full access to the EU Single Market amidst a revision of live animal transport rules, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
MEP Walsh raised the concerns of Irish farmers in a meeting of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee today, during a debate on the revision of the rules on the protection of animals during transport.
In 2024, the value of live exports in Ireland was estimated at €340 million, an increase of 30% compared to 2023 levels, with cattle exports accounting for 75% of the total value.
MEP Maria Walsh, full member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, said:
“As the debate on live animal transport continues in Brussels, Irish farmers urgently require a guarantee that their access to the EU Single Market will not be impacted by the revision of the rules. Today’s debate included a conversation on ending the transportation of live animals by sea – this would be detrimental to our livestock industry. As an island nation, we have no choice but to transport animals for export via sea and air.
“The highest standards of welfare must continue to be adhered to during all stages of transportation – that is a non-negotiable and already the norm for the majority of Irish exporters.
“However, decision-makers in the European Parliament and EU Council must recognise the geographical disadvantage facing Irish farmers and provide a commitment that they will not be penalised because of their location.
“Farmers must have equal access to the EU Single Market irrespective of their geography on the EU map and consumers must have access to the Irish food products they know and love.
“Over the coming weeks, I will be tabling amendments in the Agriculture Committee to ensure our farmers receive the protections they need and deserve. Crucially, the Commission’s current proposal includes a derogation for sea transport time. I will be working closely with my EPP colleague MEP Daniel Buda, who is the lead negotiator for the Agriculture Committee, to ensure this proposal and other key supports are included in the final revision.”
