Madam, – The price of cattle in Ireland has changed very little over the past 20 years. The cost of feeding an animal over the winter months, including veterinary charges, would just about cover the price of a good animal. So why is Ireland one of the most expensive countries in EU to buy meat?
The answer is EU regulations. Because of EU regulations in regard to the butchering of animals and the storing of meat, hundreds of butcher shops all over the country have closed shop.
Could it be that Ireland’s Department of Agriculture went a bit over the top in enforcing the rules? If you travel through France you see lots of open markets selling all sorts of dairy produce and meat. A few years ago, on a visit to the UK, I was amazed to see meat hanging on hooks outside a butcher’s shop in Stafford. No one seemed a bit shocked as it seemed to the norm. I’m sure it’s 50 years since the likes of that was seen in Ireland. – Yours, etc,