The live sheep trade enjoyed a significant boost in 2016 while the live pig trade suffered slightly, according to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

Replying to a parliamentary question from Fianna Fáil spokesman on agriculture Charlie McConalogue, Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said that the total number of live pigs exported from Ireland in 2016 was 492,129, down 23% on the previous year.

“The majority of live pig exports are destined for slaughter in Northern Ireland, which provides a useful alternative outlet for pigmeat processing,” said Creed.

“The minister added that there is also “a small proportion of cross border trade in pure bred breeding swine to Britain and Northern Ireland”.

Sheep exports

Meanwhile, Ireland exported 46,189 sheep in 2016, an increase of approximately 45% on 2015, with the value of live exports rising to approximately €7m.

According to the minister, 30,630 of these animals went for fattening, 15,420 went direct for slaughter and a total of 139 were exported for breeding.

Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands were the main export destinations.

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45% increase in number of live sheep exported in 2016

There was a 45% increase in the number of live sheep exported out of Ireland in 2016 compared to 2015. Meanwhile, the number of live pigs dropped by 23%.