- Brittany Ferries will terminate live animal exports to France from September 2026
- IFA President Francie Gorman has raised the issue directly with Minister Martin Heydon
- Ethical Farming Ireland has celebrated the decision as a major achievement for animal welfare
- MEP Billy Kelleher has warned of disaster for the calf export industry
- Minister Heydon called on to consider intervention if alternative transport fails to materialise
Brittany Ferries has confirmed the cessation of live animal exports to France from next month, a decision that has prompted the Irish Farmers Association to raise concerns directly with the Minister for Agriculture.
The French shipping operator has ended its involvement in the transport of live farm animals across the Channel, with a company spokesperson confirming the policy change without offering additional commentary on the commercial reasoning behind the move. IFA President Francie Gorman has taken the issue to Minister Martin Heydon, emphasising the necessity for Irish cattle to maintain uninterrupted market access within the European Single Market. Other carriers remain available for livestock transport, and alternative means exist for older animals, yet the reduction in service options has created unease among farming representatives.
Ethical Farming Ireland has characterised the shipping company’s stance as a victory for animal welfare advocacy, following what the group described as a sustained international campaign involving multiple non-governmental organisations. MEP Billy Kelleher has labelled the development a disaster for the calf export sector, warning that the implications extend beyond that specific industry to encompass Irish agriculture more broadly. Minister Heydon faces pressure to intervene should the market fail to provide adequate alternative transport solutions, with the livelihoods of numerous farming families potentially affected by the reduced export capacity.
After Brittany Ferries ends its livestock transport service, Irish Ferries will remain as the sole roll-on roll-off ferry company carrying live farm animals and livestock directly from Ireland to mainland Europ
Francie Gorman shared The imperative is that Minister Heydon and his EU counterparts ensure Irish cattle continue to have unhindered access to the Single Market.
Caroline Rowley shared After over a year of campaigning we are delighted that the CEO has finally made the principled choice to stop all involvement in this trade.
