Bord Bia has said that the decision by Brittany Ferries to cease carrying livestock is "disappointing", and could impact Ireland's access to key European markets.

Seamus McMenamin, sheep and live trade manager with Bord Bia, said that trading of live animals provides "a vital outlet" for the Irish livestock sector, particularly during periods when domestic supplies exceed demand.

"Live exports play an important role in maintaining competition within the marketplace, supporting farmgate prices and providing farmers with alternative marketing opportunities," McMenamin added.

He said that the decision by Brittany Ferries to withdraw from the transport of live animals is "disappointing and has the potential to significantly impact Ireland's ability to access key European markets".

"As an island nation on the periphery of Europe, Ireland is heavily reliant on efficient maritime transport links to facilitate the movement of livestock and maintain access to the EU single market," McMenamin noted.

According to the Bord Bia official, Irish livestock "continues to enjoy a strong reputation across key export markets, underpinned by high health standards, comprehensive traceability systems and subsequent animal performance in market".

He said that this reputation has been "built over decades through the efforts of Irish farmers, exporters and breeding programmes and supported through the development of longstanding relationships with customers".

The value of Ireland's live export trade was estimated at €480 million in 2025, with cattle accounting for the majority of the sector's value.

Over 300,00 cattle were traded off the island of Ireland during 2025, with more than 95% destined for European markets.

McMenamin stressed that this trade is "wholly dependent on reliable ferry capacity".

"Any reduction in ferry capacity or transport options risks increasing costs and undermining the competitiveness of the wider livestock sector," he warned.

According to McMenamin, the live trade provides an essential outlet for calves, weanlings, store cattle and breeding stock; thereby helping to "balance supply and demand and support price competition within the domestic market".

"Preserving access to European markets for the live trade is critical to maintaining competitive markets, supporting farm incomes and ensuring Ireland remains a trusted supplier of high-quality livestock throughout Europe," he said.

According to McMenamin, Bord Bia "remains committed" to supporting the live export trade through engagement with the relevant parties to "address transportation and safeguard access to key European markets".

"At the same time, efforts are continuing to explore and expand third-country opportunities for older categories of livestock, providing additional market outlets for Irish farmers and exporters," he added.

Additional reporting by Breifne O'Brien