Ferries ‘essential’ to livestock trade

Following on last week’s announcement that the P&O ferry group will withdraw its ship on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route from December 19, the IFA Livestock chairman John Bryan said yesterday there is a real urgency for Minister Mary Coughlan and the Government to intervene and guarantee farmers and live exporters continued roll on roll off (ro/ro) ferry access to markets in continental Europe.

Mr Bryan said Minister Coughlan has made it very clear she is totally committed to a strong and vibrant live export trade out of Ireland.

The live export trade is worth over €150 million annually.