P&O examines position after court decision on transport of livestock

FERRY company P&O was yesterday studying the Supreme Court decision to lift a six-year temporary order which forced one of its shipping companies, Pandoro, to carry livestock from Ireland to the Continent.

A spokesman for P&O said: "We need to examine the position and review the implications before making any further statements."

Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh said his officials were also watching the situation. The company had not indicated any immediate plans to discontinue the service.

Pandoro successfully argued in the Supreme Court that those who obtained the order an association of livestock exporters, hauliers and farmers had failed to bring their action to trial before the High Court.

IFA president John Dillon said the court decision has extremely serious consequences for the livelihoods of Ireland's 100,000 livestock farmers in terms of market outlets and cattle price competition.

He wrote to Mr Walsh seeking an urgent meeting to discuss all aspects of the situation including the introduction of legislation by the Government to compel ferry companies to carry all legitimate cargo including live exports.

Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association president Pat O'Rourke said live exports have been thrown into chaos as a result of the court decision. He demanded an immediate response from the Government on a matter that he said goes to the heart of the livestock trade.

"It must be made unlawful for any shipping company operating under Government licence to cherry-pick," Mr O'Rourke added.

Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association president Malcolm Thompson said the impact of the ruling on the vital Irish weanling trade to EU markets must be urgently addressed.