The Irish Farmers Association (IFA) has warned a hard Brexit would 'devastate' Ireland's beef and livestock sector.

The sector is worth some €3bn.

Speaking at a lobby of TDs and Senators in Dublin, IFA President Joe Healy said: "IFA estimate the imposition of WTO tariffs in a hard-Brexit will impose a direct cost on the beef sector of €800m per year."

He said while the Government and other sectors are talking about preparing for Brexit, beef farmers are already "counting their losses".

He said Brexit uncertainty and the weakness of sterling has already hit hard on beef prices and farm incomes.

"The income situation on beef and livestock farms is at crisis point.

"The latest independent data from Teagasc shows farm incomes are down 16% in 2018 and incomes on cattle are between €10,175 and €15,412."

IFA representatives from across the country assembled in Dublin on Wednesday - and lobbied TD and Senators from their constituencies on the beef crisis.

The IFA presented proposals - including an EU Brexit Emergency Support Package - has asked the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Agriculture Minister Michael Creed to take "urgent action" with the EU Commission.

It said EU state aid limitations on members states must be set-aside, and that there needs to be strong support for the live export trade and ensure that no further restrictions are imposed.

IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said they have requested that for every 5c/kg change on the price, Minister Creed "needs to secure €20 per head additional direct payment compensation."

He said the minister should abandon his 'wait and see attitude' and get back out to Brussels to secure an immediate aid package for Brexit beef losses.