Farmers protest at ‘draconian’ plan by EU to restrict animal transport

THE country’s €200 million livestock export trade, which plays an important role in the economic life of Cork and Kerry farmers, is at risk from EU proposals restricting animal transport, it was claimed yesterday.

IFA members described the proposals as draconian as they protested outside Leinster House in Dublin as EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner David Byrne addressed the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and Food on a range of issues.

The live trade involves the export of over 200,000 head of calves and weanlings to Europe and up to 70,000 head of livestock to international markets.