Brittany Ferries to cease live animal exports
It has been confirmed that Brittany Ferries will cease live animal exports from Ireland to France.
Brittany Ferries will no longer continue live animal exports from Ireland to Europe in a move which has raised "serious concerns" for livestock farmers here.
A spokesperson for the company confirmed that the ferry company will no longer operate live animal export services and would "make no further comment.”
According to Bord Bia figures, the total continental EU live exports from Ireland were 253,836 head in 2025 and 228,528 head so far in 2026.
Responding to the news, Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA) president Sean McNamara said the company’s intention to end its livestock transport services from Ireland to mainland Europe is a serious concern for Irish livestock farmers.
"Live exports are a vital part of the Irish livestock sector. They provide an important outlet for farmers and help ensure there is genuine competition for Irish stock. Anything that reduces competition or limits export options is bad news for farmers. We cannot allow farmers to be left with fewer outlets for their stock," he said.
"Any reduction in transport capacity to mainland Europe has the potential to disrupt the trade, particularly for calf exports during the spring season. It is essential that exporters continue to have reliable and cost-effective access to European markets."
Mr McNamara said the ICSA will be seeking “urgent clarification” on the timeline for the withdrawal of the service and on what alternative shipping arrangements will be available.
"The Department and the industry cannot simply assume that this gap will be filled. We need to ensure there is sufficient capacity to maintain the live export trade and maintain access to key European markets.
This is an issue that requires immediate attention. Irish farmers cannot afford to see essential export routes reduced without a clear plan to ensure there are viable alternatives," Mr McNamara concluded.
However, the move was welcomed by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), saying the news is “a major victory for animals."
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) reported that when Brittany Ferries restarted transporting live animals in March 2025, two petitions obtained over 100,000 signatures opposing the move. The NGO said this resulted in several meetings between the company and other NGOs.
CIWF say Irish Ferries is the only ferry service accommodating live animal exports and is “an outlier” among other ferrying companies.
Deputy Director of Global Campaigns at Compassion in World Farming, Charlotte Reid, said: "This is a landmark victory for animals. After months of campaigning by NGOs, with the support of hundreds of thousands of supporters across Europe, Brittany Ferries has finally listened.
…Irish Ferries is now the only operator continuing the trade from Ireland to France, and we're calling on them to urgently follow suit and end the live transport of animals."
