Exporters loaded nine calf lorries at Rosslare on Tuesday evening for sailing to Cherbourg.

This was the first sailing on the Carrier, which will sail from Wexford to France three times per week while the normal boat, the Horizon, is being refurbished.

Together, the trucks are carrying approximately 2,500 calves destined for the Netherlands and Spain.

The stand-in boat does not have sleeping accommodation for all drivers, so, with the approval of the Department of Agriculture and the ferry operator, three experienced drivers accompanied the 12 trucks to provide any care required for the calves.

Drivers

The other drivers travelled by minibus from Rosslare to the UK, drove south to Poole and crossed from there to Cherbourg, arriving ahead of the Carrier and their trucks.

Among the exporters using Tuesday’s sailing were Cork-based William O’Keeffe, Hallissey Livestock Exports of Co Kerry, Hunter International Livestock and Logan Calf Exports.

Meanwhile, exporters are also using the Saturday sailing from Dublin Port to France. Wicklow Calf Company sent four lorry loads of calves on this sailing.

Exporters report that earlier calving dates mean calves are for sale sooner than previous years.

“This doesn’t necessarily suit the Dutch and the Spanish,” said one. “It’ll be another two weeks before Dutch buyers have calf houses cleared and ready for Irish calves.”

Prices for Irish calves delivered to the Netherlands and Spain are reported to be similar to last year.

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