Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 February 2018
465. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding the procurement of a ship for live cattle and calf exports to mainland Europe; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the capacity of this ship is crucial. [6831/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am very conscious of the vital role live exports play in stimulating live competition for domestic cattle and providing an alternative market outlet for calves. I am pleased to confirm that the ‘Stena Carrier’ is undergoing the final approval procedures as a replacement for the ‘Stena Horizon’, on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route, starting later this month
Since this issue of the withdrawal of the Stena Horizon from service for routine maintenance first came to notice in October 2017, senior officials from my Department have been actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders on the matter. Whilst I and my Department have no direct involvement in the commercial activities or operational decisions of ferry companies, we were acutely conscious of the potential impact that lack of capacity could have on the ability of the industry to export livestock in the busy spring period.
While it is difficult to predict future market developments, the expectation is that in the region of 35 000 calves will be exported via the replacement ferry on the Rosslare to Cherbourg route during the 4 week period commencing on 20 February with additional numbers exported also on the Dublin to Cherbourg route.
