Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021
387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the extent to which opportunities continue for the export of Irish lamb; the degree to which prospects remain good for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27387/21]
View answerThe future prospects for Irish sheepmeat exports, of which lamb is a core product, appear bright. According to the CSO, 2020 was a prosperous year for Ireland's overseas sheepmeat trade, with 64,000 tonnes exported to 38 international markets at a value of nearly €356 million. This represents an increase of 12% in value terms on 2019. Tighter supplies of sheepmeat globally and an improvement in demand in key EU markets drove this increase. A decline in UK sheepmeat exports to EU member state markets also created opportunities for Irish produce during 2020.
Of the four major meat species exported from Ireland, the sheepmeat trade is the least reliant on the UK market. Bord Bia analysis suggests that retail demand for sheepmeat increased over the last year, as consumers invested more time in preparing home-cooked meals. In 2020, according to CSO data, 73% of sheepmeat products in value terms were exported to the EU, 12% to the UK and 15% to other third country markets. The value of sheepmeat exports to international markets increased significantly in 2020, but France remains the single most important export destination, accounting for a third of Irish sheepmeat exports in 2020.
As with other meat commodities, my officials continue to work towards opening new outlets for sheepmeat and enhancing existing access to as many markets as possible for Irish sheepmeat. The Irish food industry is well positioned to gain from the opportunities presented by expanding global demand for high-quality Irish lamb, underpinned by the market development efforts of the Department, Bord Bia, the Irish embassy network, and the food industry. The Department will continue to engage with stakeholders on maximising potential opportunities for Irish sheepmeat exports.
