Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has confirmed that Brittany Ferries will end livestock transport from Ireland from September.

Brittany Ferries yesterday (Tuesday, August 4) announced its decision to end its livestock transport services from Ireland to mainland Europe.

The company has not yet indicated a definite timeline from when it will cease transporting Irish livestock.

Brittany Ferries is one of two ferry companies that facilitate the transport of Irish calves to mainland Europe.

Brittany Ferries

In a statement this afternoon, Minister Heydon said: "It is with regret that I was informed on August 4 by Brittany Ferries of their decision to cease the transport of livestock from Rosslare to Cherbourg from September of this year.

"They explained that their decision was based on operational issues, and both understood and deeply regretted the impact that this decision would have on Irish farmers and transporters.

"The transport of live animals is a private commercial activity which is regulated by my department in accordance with EU and national laws," he added.

The minister said that while this trade is a private commercial activity, his department is "ready to assess and approve vessels that might be made available for transport of livestock out of Ireland".

He encouraged "all stakeholders to work on a collaborative approach with a view to addressing this issue".

Live exports

Minister Heydon noted that based on figures published by his department up to July 26, 2026, "some 225,000 bovines were intra-community traded".

"I am acutely aware that this decision has the potential to cause difficulties for the industry," he said.

Minister Heydon added: "Ireland demands the highest standards of animal welfare at every stage of the animal’s life, including during transport".

"Ireland has continuously reinforced its practical, administrative and legislative measures to protect the welfare of animals during transport, often going beyond the minimum requirements of EU law, for example in terms of extra space for calves, more frequent driver retraining and temperature control.

"Independent data on the health and welfare of Irish calves in Dutch veal production systems indicates they have significantly lower mortality and lower antibiotic usage, indicating that they arrive in good condition

"In order to enhance the welfare of un-weaned calves transported to Europe, my department has provided financial assistance in recent years to Teagasc, most recently €1.5 million in 2025 to develop an in-transport feeding system.

"A prototype of this system should be available in 2026," the minister said.