There are tentative signs of good news for Irish beef exports, with a number of fast food outlets opening up in the UK and Europe.

Ireland exports 90% of its beef and almost 60% of this is normally sold into food-service and manufacturing, which includes fast food outlets.

Burger King is “reopening four stores in Bristol, Swindon and Coventry for delivery only”, with more expected to follow over the coming weeks.

McDonald’s restaurants remain closed across Ireland and the UK. They closed across Ireland and the UK on 23 March. McDonad’s is one of the biggest buyers of Irish beef at 40,000t each year.

In Ireland, Supermac’s is to reopen some of its outlets around the country on a phased basis for delivery, drive-through and drive and collect. Supermac’s restaurants have been closed since 26 March.

Supermac’s will provide a limited service in a number of outlets following consultation with the authorities, staff, customers and its suppliers, including farmers.