Live exports account for an average of close to 3.5% of the total value of Irish agri-food exports, according to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed.

In the first two months of 2017, the value of live exports amounted to €58,952,000; this equates to 3.1% of the total value of Irish agri–food exports to date this year, according to Minister Creed.

Since 2010, the value of live exports has averaged slightly less than 3.5% of the entire value of Irish agri–food exports, he added.

In 2013, the value of live exports reached €432,095,000; some 4.1% of the total value of agri–food exports from the emerald isle. This was the highest level recorded so far this decade.

Meanwhile, last year the value of live exports equated to just 2.8% of the entire value of Irish agri–food exports or €339,863,000 in total.

The monetary value of live exports did drop to €329,660,000 in 2012, which represented 3.3% of the total value of Irish agri–food exports in that year.

Minister Creed revealed the data in response to a recent parliamentary question from fellow TD, Brid Smith.

Live cattle exports surpass 92,000 head

Recent figures from Bord Bia show that Irish live cattle shipments have reached a three-year high.

Some 92,199 head have been shipped from Ireland by live export since the beginning of the year. This is an increase of 25,541 head on 2016 levels and 2,437 head on 2015 levels.

Figures from Bord Bia show that calf exports, standing at approximately 73,000 head, make up the majority of total shipments.

For the most part, Irish calves have been shipped to markets such as the Netherlands and Spain. Exports to these two destinations rest at 36,090 head and 26,540 head respectively.

In addition, almost 4,200 Irish calves have been shipped to Belgium – a market that was closed to Irish exporters in 2016.