MEP Barry Cowen has called on the government to ensure that the livestock transport services of Irish Ferries are retained and potentially expanded.

His comments follow the decision of Brittany Ferries to cease transporting livestock, shutting down a key outlet for livestock, particularly calves, exported from Ireland to continental Europe.

Cowen said the exit of Brittany Ferries from livestock trade is "certainly alarming". He called for a "coordinated approach from across the political spectrum" in response to the issue.

He was speaking after he met with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon on the issue at the Tullamore Show & FBD National Livestock Show yesterday (Sunday, August 9).

The Fianna Fáil MEP said that the decision by Brittany Ferries is "disappointing as it leaves farmers in an uncertain place".

"Come February, bottlenecks may start to appear and the farmers may be left to house more cattle than they have capacity for," he warned.

Cowen acknowledged that the decision by Brittany Ferries is a commercial decision for the company, and that there is "a limited amount that can be done politically" to get them to re-enter the market.

"I believe our focus should now shift to Irish Ferries and ensuring that the services they provide are retained and potentially expanded," the Ireland Midlands Northwest MEP said.

While a substantial number of calves were transported by Brittany Ferries, the majority are transported by Irish Ferries.

"In the interest of securing the future of the sector, we need to ensure the long term commitment of Irish Ferries. That is where political engagement should be directed as a first step," Cowen urged.

He also called for other options to be explored as well, including addressing the issue of feeding calves during transport.

"One of the main concerns from an animal welfare perspective isthe on-board feeding of calves during the transportation process. Teagasc research has indicated that the fasting of calves during the journey, and not the duration, has the most impact on calf welfare," Cowen said.

He noted that there is work underway to develop possible solutions to this issue, with on-board feeding systems.

"If we can crack this nut, there will be much less scrutiny levelled at the sector," he said.

He also called for further usage of the livestock transport vessel MV Alondra to be explored.

"We need to get creative to keep this industry alive and thriving. The sector has shown itself in the past to be resilient and flexible, and I have no doubt that this is a challenge we can overcome if we work together," Cowen said.

"I met with Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and his officials on this issue... I will remain in direct contact with them until a solution is found," the MEP added.