Live cattle exports to the EU are expected to continue at a high level, the Minister for Agriculture and Food said yesterday.
Mr Walsh said the capacity available for transporting far exceeded that actually used in the latter part of 1997. So far this year, 72,000 cattle were exported to other EU countries, compared with about 9,000 and 39,500 to the corresponding dates in 1997 and 1996.
The Minister announced yesterday that the MV Caroline has been approved for a trial voyage for the carriage of live cattle. There are at present four vessels approved for transport of livestock to the Continent.
This increase in capacity would provide a boost to livestock producers in their present difficulties, he said.
"This week alone, more than 6,000 cattle are scheduled to be exported on ferries/specialised vessels, which is a record level of exports to the Continent," he said.