Court threat to live export trade
Pandoro, the shipping company, is asking the Supreme Court to lift an interlocutory injunction granted to a group of exporters in 1997.
The case came before the court last Friday and was adjourned for three weeks. The injunction compels the company to carry live animals on the continental route to European markets.
IFA president John Dillon has written to Minister Joe Walsh calling on him to take an active role in the proceedings.
He urged him to protect the interest of Irish farmers and particularly roll on/roll off ferry access for live animals to continental European markets.
Mr Dillon said Pandoro is the only ferry company carrying roll on/roll off live cattle lorries to continental Europe.
It was vitally important for Irish agriculture that live exporters continue to have access to the European markets.
The Irish Government must insist that Irish farmers and exporters continue to have roll on/roll off ferry access directly to the continent in any new ferry set up.
Mr Dillon said Ireland has so far this year exported over 172,000 head of live animals of which 118,000 have gone to continental Europe.
ICSA president John Deegan said he is “very concerned” at the possible threat to live exports.
