Independent Ireland is set to host a public meeting in Athlone next week to discuss the "growing crisis facing Ireland’s livestock export sector".

The decision to call the meeting follows discussions this afternoon (Friday, August 7) between Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly, Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice and the chief executive of Brittany Ferries, Christophe Mathieu.

On Tuesday, Brittany Ferries announced its decision to end its livestock transport services from Ireland to mainland Europe.

Deputy Fitzmaurice and MEP Mullooly said that they were told by the Brittany Ferries chief executive that protests involving up to 25 people at Portsmouth Port had been a principal factor in the company’s decision to withdraw from the Irish livestock export trade.

Livestock

Deputy Fitzmaurice, who is the party's agriculture spokesperson, slammed the disruption caused by a small number of animal rights protesters.

"25 protesters cannot be allowed to bring a vital Irish export trade to its knees. This is an island nation.

"Our farmers depend on reliable access to European markets, and we cannot allow a small group of activists to effectively dictate whether Irish livestock can reach those markets," he said.

Deputy Fitzmaurice added: "What is particularly concerning is that Brittany Ferries told us they had sought assistance but were unable to find a way of legally stopping the disruption.

"That raises very serious questions about the rule of law and whether businesses involved in legitimate trade are being adequately protected."

Deputy Fitzmaurice said that the Brittany Ferries CEO indicated that Irish livestock exports represented only a small proportion of the company’s overall business, but the disruption surrounding the trade had become unacceptable.

He urged the Irish government to engage directly with the British government, Brittany Ferries and the European Commission to find a solution.

"The Irish government cannot sit back and watch this happen," he said.

“Ciaran Mullooly and I intend to engage with Minister [for agriculture Martin] Heydon and ask him to contact the British government directly and push for a meeting involving Ireland, the UK, France and the European Commission.

"We need all of the relevant parties around the table. This is bigger than one ferry company. It is about Ireland’s ability, as an island member state, to access the European Single Market," the TD added.

Deputy Fitzmaurice said the Brittany Ferries CEO indicated that the company would be prepared to review the position if there was a significant change in circumstances and that he would participate in discussions between the relevant governments and the European Commission.

Meeting

Independent Ireland will host a public meeting on the live export sector at 7:30p.m on Saturday, August 15 in the Athlone Springs Hotel.

The meeting will be hosted by MEP Mullooly and Deputy Fitzmaurice who will be joined by Independent Ireland TDs and councillors.

Farmers, cattle exports, hauliers and agricultural businesses are being invited to attend.

MEP Mullooly said the public meeting will provide an opportunity for those directly affected to outline their concerns and contribute to finding practical solutions.

"Ireland's livestock producers meet some of the highest animal health and welfare standards in Europe.

"Once those standards are met, they must have a practical means of reaching customers across mainland Europe.

"The Single Market cannot exist in principle but fail in practice because of Ireland's geographical position.

"We need urgent action to ensure that the necessary transport infrastructure and capacity is available to support our livestock farmers and exporters," he said.

Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins called the situation "incredible".

The TD added that "the impact of this will be felt across Ireland from north to south and east to west if a resolution is not found immediately".