Longford MEP questions Brittany Ferries Ireland to mainland Europe livestock exit
Midlands-North West MEP Ciarán Mullooly said for an island Member State like Ireland, ferry services are an essential part of accessing the Single Market.
A Longford MEP said he will raise the decision by Brittany Ferries to withdraw livestock transport services between Ireland and mainland Europe with the European Commission.
Midlands–North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly said he will today highlight the decision, which he insists has significant implications for the calf trade here and raises important questions about Ireland’s effective access to the EU Single Market.
"After reports in the last 24 hours that the company intends to end livestock transport services before the 2027 calving season, I believe this issue extends far beyond a commercial decision and has significant implications for Irish livestock exports.
"Irish livestock producers comply with all EU animal health and welfare requirements.
"Once those standards are met, they must have a practical means of supplying customers across mainland Europe. "
Mr Mullooly said for an island Member State, ferry services are an essential part of accessing the Single Market.
"More than 200,000 Irish calves have already been exported to mainland Europe so far this year and I believe that the loss of a major transport provider could reduce transport capacity, increase costs and weaken Ireland’s competitive position.
"This morning I have written to the Taoiseach Martin and the European Commission to ask whether this development is consistent with the EU’s obligations under Article 26 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which establishes the internal market, and Articles 34 to 36 TFEU, which guarantee the free movement of goods within the European Union."
Mr Mullooly said he will also seek clarification on whether adequate maritime transport capacity exists to ensure Irish exporters have effective access to mainland European markets.
"The Single Market cannot exist in theory but fail in practice. Ireland’s geography means maritime transport is an essential link in accessing European markets.
"If that access is materially restricted, the Commission must examine whether the fundamental principles of the Treaties are being fully upheld for an island Member State.
"This matter is urgent and I expect the Taoiseach to address the matter in the interests of Irish farmers and their entitlements under the single market.”