Government must be ready to step in says MEP Kelleher
A reduction in ferry capacity for live animal exports from Ireland to mainland Europe will be highly damaging to Irish agriculture and the Government should intervene if the market fails.
That was the opinion of Ireland South MEP Billy Kelleher after news broke that Stena Line intends to withdraw its existing three-day Rosslare - Cherbourg service. The MEP, who was a leading negotiator in the last mandate on the issue of animal welfare during transit, said: “This is a major blow to the dairy sector in Ireland which relies heavily on live animal exports to maintain stability in the market. Of course, the dairy to beef scheme and enhanced AI breeding can reduce the number of calves needing to be exported, there will always be a requirement to access the markets on mainland Europe. “While Stena Line have said they will work with people affected, I think that unless another operator enters the market, it will be next to impossible to maintain the same level of exports. “What this will mean is twofold: more animals remaining on the island and thereby increasing Ireland’s emissions and secondly, potential animal welfare issues as Irish farms are not designed to house this level of young animals. “The Minister for Agriculture must be prepared to intervene if the market fails to respond appropriately. Too many livelihoods are at stake,” concluded Kelleher.
Following what it described as “a strategic route review”, Stena Line announced that from 30 September 2025, the ferry operator intends to withdraw its existing three-day Rosslare - Cherbourg service.
The last sailing will depart Cherbourg on 29 September, arriving in Rosslare on 30 September.
These plans, the company said, have been developed after an extensive review with the intention of strengthening the company’s investment in the Irish Sea, whilst delivering the most efficient use of the company’s resources.
Johan Edelman, Trade Director said: “Our priority is, as always, the care of our people and customers. We’ve already met with our colleagues and over this period of consultation we will be working with any individual affected to consider all options, including redeployment opportunities. As we work through this change we will continue to support our colleagues at every stage.
“Our customer service team will be helping customers who have booked travel after September to keep any inconvenience to a minimum. Stena Line will continue to strengthen its Irish Sea network. We have recently announced investments of almost £40 million in our Liverpool and Belfast terminals, as well as the upgrading of the Fishguard port infrastructure. We will also be increasing capacity across the Irish Sea with two new freight vessels planned for the Belfast – Heysham route and an additional freight vessel for the Dublin – Liverpool route.”
Mr Edelman concluded: “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our employees, customers and delivery partners over the past 11 years. Our Rosslare - Cherbourg service is one that we will always be proud of, and we will continue to deliver the same high-quality service over the coming months.”