An Irish MEP has called for Irish livestock exporters to be provided with a guarantee that they will continue to be able to access the EU Single Market, amid upcoming revisions of animal transport rules.

Ireland Midlands--North-West MEP Maria Walsh was speaking at a meeting of the European Parliament's agriculture committee this week, during a debate on European Commission proposals to revise transport regulations for animals, when she raised concerns that the new rules may hamper Single Market access for exporters.

"As the debate on live animal transport continues in Brussels, Irish farmers urgently require a guarantee that their access to the EU Single Market will not be impacted by the revision of the rules," she said.

According to Walsh, the committee debate included a conversation about ending the transportation of live animals by sea.

"This would be detrimental to our livestock industry. As an island nation, we have no choice but to transport animals for export via sea and air," the Fine Gael and European People's Party (EPP) MEP said.

She added: "The highest standards of welfare must continue to be adhered to during all stages of transportation. That is non-negotiable and already the norm for the majority of Irish exporters."

Walsh called on EU policymakers to recognise the "geographical disadvantages" facing Irish exporters, and to provide a commitment that they will not be penalised because of their location.

"Farmers must have equal access to the EU Single Market irrespective of their geography on the EU map," she said.

Crucially, the [European Commission's] current proposal includes a derogation for sea transport time. I will be working closely with my EPP colleague, MEP Daniel Buda, who is lead negotiator for the agriculture committee, to ensure this proposal and other key supports are included in the final revision," Walsh added.

Meanwhile, Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen raised similar concerns this week, calling for a "balanced and practical" approach to the proposed new regulations on live animal transport.

Cowen welcomed of the European Commission‘s proposals, but stressed the need for key amendments to ensure the rules are workable for farmers and transporters.

He voiced his support for the commission’s recommendations on sea journey derogations and road journey time limitations, stating that they represent a fair compromise between scientific evidence and economic realities.

However, he highlighted that the proposed five-year transition period, and the minimum transfer age of calves is a concern.