Saudi Arabia has lifted its ban on the importation of Irish beef imposed in 2000 because of concerns over Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
The announcement that the market, which was worth €33 million when the ban was imposed, had been reopened was made by Minister for Agriculture and Food Mary Coughlan.
The Minister said this positive news was the result of intensive political, diplomatic and technical efforts especially since the beginning of this year.
Following on from the visit by the Taoiseach and the Minister earlier this year, Ms Coughlan's department in co-operation with An Bord Bia and the Department of Foreign Affairs had been working intensely to have the temporary ban removed.
"This is a very welcome decision as Saudi was traditionally an important market for Irish beef. The decision by the competent authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reopen their market to Irish beef was taken following an on-the-spot examination of the rigorous controls applied and reflects the high standards of food safety controls in place in Ireland," she said.
The Minister said she expected trade to resume as soon as the individual slaughter plants designated to supply the market are approved by the Saudi authorities.
The announcement was welcomed by Cormac Healy of Meat Industry Ireland, which represents the majority of the beef processing industry here.
However, Mr Healy said it could be some time before beef could be sent there because technical details have to be worked out with the authorities there.
"It is also unfortunate that in the period since the imposition of the ban, the EU has cut export refunds on beef by 50 per cent and this will also determine the profitability of the trade," he said.
Mr Healy said the Saudi market was a very important one for Irish exporters because it was the key to re-opening other Middle Eastern markets which were closed at the same time.
The news was also welcomed by the Irish Farmers Associaton which said it was a significant market that had been taking up to 30,000 tonnes of Irish beef when it closed in 2000.