The exporter, Roundwood Park Livestock, is buying stock for a second boatload which it plans to fill in two weeks’ time, on the boat’s return.

It has approximately half of the required cattle already booked in for the second load, it says. In all, the firm hopes to send three more boatloads before the end of May.

Last week’s boat was loaded with 1,090 bulls and bullocks weighing over 600kg and aged under 30 months. Similar stock is required for the next load. The breeds wanted are continentals, Angus and Hereford. The firm says it is finalising a contract to also supply cows to Algeria.

IT delays during export clearance of the cattle at New Ross Mart on Thursday led to claims of “excess bureaucracy” on the part of the Department of Agriculture by IFA president Tim Cullinan and from Emerald Isle Beef Producers, whose members supplied cattle for the boat.

Cullinan said farmers complained of significant delays when cattle cards were being scanned and processed.

However, the Department of Agriculture countered those claims, saying that its officials had worked tirelessly to resolve some technical issues that arose on the day. It said that its staff was working through ongoing COVID-19 restrictions to allow cattle exports operate.

Roundwood Park Livestock said it was grateful for the contribution of farmers, the mart, Department of Agriculture officials and Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed. With the experience gained on its first boatload, it is confident that loading of the next boat will run smoothly, the firm said.

Meanwhile, Purcell Brothers will fill a livestock boat before the weekend for Libya.