Public meeting in Athlone to address growing crisis facing Ireland’s livestock export sector
Independent Ireland TD Michael Fitzmaurice speaking at a rally against the Mercosur deal in Athlone.
Independent Ireland Agriculture Spokesperson Michael Fitzmaurice TD has slammed the disruption caused by a small number of animal rights protesters, following a meeting on Friday with Brittany Ferries Chief Executive Christophe Mathieu.
Deputy Fitzmaurice and MEP Ciaran Mullooly were told by the Brittany Ferries Chief Executive that protests involving approximately 20 to 25 people at Portsmouth had been a principal factor in the company’s decision to withdraw from the Irish livestock export trade.
Independent Ireland TDs, Councillors and MEP Ciarán Mullooly will now bring the sector together at a public meeting on Saturday, August 15th, at 7.30 p.m. at the Athlone Springs Hotel.
Deputy Fitzmaurice said the revelation that such a small number of protesters could effectively disrupt a vital export route was deeply concerning and raised serious questions about the protection of Ireland’s livestock trade and the rule of law.
We met today with Christophe Mathieu, the Chief Executive of Brittany Ferries, and the message we received was extremely serious.
“We were told that protests involving approximately 20 to 25 animal rights activists at Portsmouth had caused major disruption and were a principal reason behind Brittany Ferries’ decision to withdraw from carrying Irish livestock.
“Twenty-five 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.
“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 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.
“Because of the disruption caused by a very small number of protesters, a route that is absolutely vital to Irish farmers is now at risk.
MEP Ciaran Mullooly raised concerns about claims made by NGOs regarding the European Commission’s position on Irish livestock transport.
“We were told that NGOs involved in these protests had been claiming that they had the backing of the European Commission and that the Commission was supportive of their position regarding Ireland’s livestock transport arrangements.
“I made it very clear that I had not been aware of any such position from the European Commission and that, to my knowledge, Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi had never made such a statement to me.
“If NGOs are claiming to have the backing of the European Commission, then the Commission needs to clarify exactly what its position is.”
Deputy Fitzmaurice said the Irish Government now needs 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.
“Ciaran Mullooly and I intend to engage with Minister 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.”
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.
"In fairness to Brittany Ferries they are prepared to sit down to try to find a solution to this but engagement needs to come from the relevant authorities"
Party Leader, Michael Collins, TD, called the situation "incredible", saying 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."
