Almost 1,300 bullocks and bulls are on the way to Algeria after being loaded at Waterford Port on Thursday. This is the first shipment of cattle from Ireland to this market.

The export firm involved, Roundwood Park Livestock hopes to send a second load in two to three weeks’ time.

The Algerian market was opened after a number of visits there by officials from the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia and representations by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

Emerald Isle Beef Producers says that it supplied more than half of the cattle for this week’s load.

"Having provided more than 600 cattle for the ship proved to be quite a challenge,” it said in a statement. “Some 37 farmers were involved, with lot sizes ranging from one to 120. They came from 19 different counties. Over 20 trucks were involved as well as some tractors and trailers from farmers closer to the port. The quality of the cattle assembled was as fine a boat load of cattle that has ever left the country.”

It said: “Any competition for cattle has to be welcome at a time when factories are struggling to find markets for 16-24-month bulls and heavy steers.”