Return of ferry service welcomed

The resumption of a roll-on-roll-off ferry service between Rosslare and Cherbourg was welcomed yesterday by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan and by farm leaders.

New operators will use the European Diplomat (now renamed the Diplomat) which had been operated on the route by P&O until late 2004. The vessel sailed on Tuesday night carrying 17 livestock trucks and the service is expected to operate three times a week.

As well as transporting freight and some passengers, the service will also carry live animals to continental markets.

Minister Coughlan reiterated her full support for live exports in the contexts of providing both competition within the sector and a legitimate outlet for animals.

She said these aspects will be of even greater importance in the context of the single payment regime now in place.

At the same time, the Minister said the trade must take place within a framework that ensured that high standards and welfare considerations continue to be taken into account by all players within the sector.

Ireland had an exemplary record in this regard and she was determined to ensure that it would remain the case.

Minister Coughlan said she was hopeful the element of uncertainty that had prevailed within the live export sector over the years would be removed so as to enable the industry plan for the medium to long term.

IFA Livestock Committee chairman John Bryan, welcoming the news, said live exports are essential to Ireland’s €2 billion livestock sector in terms of cattle price competition and market outlets.