The activist group Ethical Farming Ireland has said it intends to hold a protest this coming weekend at Rosslare Europort in Co. Wexford over calf exports.

The group said it intends to hold the protest at 3:00p.m on Sunday, April 6.

Ethical Farming Ireland has said that the purpose of the action it to protest against the decision of Brittany Ferries to transport livestock from Rosslare to Cherbourg Port in France.

The group described the decision by Brittany Ferries as "appalling".

The group claimed that the journeys are "cruel and in breach of 'EC' legislation".

Ethical Farming Ireland said it is holding the protest to "send a message to Brittany Ferries that this is not OK".

However, on its social media channels, the group has expressed disappointment with the number of people who have expressed interest in attending the protest.

In a post on Facebook, the group said: "We need feet on the ground. These poor little calves need feet on the ground, taking a stand for them, being their voice.

"It's a Sunday, most of you won't have work. If you have plans can't you postpone them for a week?" the group's post added.

Ethical Farming Ireland urged its social media followers to attend the planned action at Rosslare to "send a message to Brittany Ferries that enough is enough", and to "bring a friend".

Brittany Ferries confirmed to Agriland in February that it was planning to transport livestock from Rosslare Europort, Co. Wexford, to Cherbourg Port in France from March of this year.

There were two ferry companies facilitating the transport of livestock from Ireland to Cherbourg, France – Irish Ferries and Stena Line. The announcement from Brittany Ferries brings that number to three.

The ferry is called the Cotentin and the announcement comes ahead of peak spring-calving season on Irish farms and a subsequent increase in the numbers of Irish calves being sold to customers located in countries in mainland Europe.

A statement from the company said: "This decision follows 18 months of close engagement with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and relevant authorities to ensure that the highest animal welfare standards are prioritised at every stage of the journey.

“Animal welfare is of paramount importance to Brittany Ferries. The Cotentin has been specifically selected for this service, as it is orientated towards freight transport and equipped to provide the best possible care for animals during transit," Brittany Ferries said.