The past week has seen further developments in the live export of cattle.

A boatload of close to 3,000 weanlings has now entered the Mediterranean on the way to Turkey. The boat involved is the Atlantic M ,which is making its second trip. It sailed from Greenore port last Thursday, is meeting good weather and is due to dock in Turkey on Wednesday 2 November.

The Brahman Express, owned by the Vroon shipping company, docked at an Irish port yesterday having been inspected and approved by veterinary and marine officials from the Department of Agriculture to transport cattle from Ireland.

The boat will be loaded with hay, meals and water. It will be loaded with over 4,000 weanlings on Friday and then also depart for Turkey.

The Brahman Express is a top-of-the-range, purpose-built livestock boat. It is newer and faster than the Atlantic M and will complete the trip to Turkey in just over a week. This puts it in a position to make three shipments to Turkey before the end of December.

All of these shipments have been arranged by international cattle trading company Viastar, based in Co Meath.

Chief executive James Mallon said that demand in Turkey for meat and livestock remains strong.

“So we’re looking to source more cattle. But it’s all down to price. If we’re not competitive we don’t get the business.”

If all goes well, he hopes to export 20,000 head of cattle by the end of the year. The consortium with which he is operating is also exporting French cattle to Turkey.