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HomeFarming NewsMarts ‘look forward’ to full business as usual next autumn
Catherina Cunnane
Catherina Cunnanehttps://www.thatsfarming.com/
Catherina Cunnane hails from a sixth-generation drystock and specialised pedigree suckler enterprise in Co. Mayo. She currently holds the positions of editor and general manager at That's Farming, having joined the firm during its start-up phase in 2015.
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Marts ‘look forward’ to full business as usual next autumn

ICOS has issued a statement ahead of the re-opening of livestock marts next Monday (May 17th, 2021).

The body has said that farmers need to be realistic regarding what to expect and what is under “the less restrictive but nonetheless still applicable” Covid protocols.

Ray Doyle, Livestock & Environmental Services Executive of ICOS, said:

“Many farmers, especially those who have received vaccines, have been contacting mart managers across the country, indicating their intention to attend the mart next week.”

“This is almost at pre-Covid levels and possibly due to the sense of security that the ongoing vaccine rollout is creating. However, we are not out of the woods just yet.”

Covid-19 protocols

Doyle confirmed that depending on local circumstances, not all marts will allow sellers to attend and some sheep sales, especially in marts that sell sheep in pens, will be continuing sales as is due to the necessity to maintain social distancing.

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“We can only look forward to full business as usual next autumn – but not next week. We welcome the fact that the vaccine rollout is progressing strongly. However, it is essential for nobody to let their guard down and that all necessary precautions should continue to be observed.”

Doyle said where applicable, most marts will be operating a restricted ringside at 2 metres distancing, and will be continuing the clearance of the mart yard when the sales commence due to Covid related management requirements as stipulated by DAFM and the public health authorities.

“The last thing anyone wants or needs is a resurgence of the virus. Marts are being allowed to operate under a strict set of operating procedures similar to what was operating last June.”

In effect, buyers will be allowed back around mart ringsides at 2 metres social distancing plus mandatory mask-wearing.

Sellers can now return to mart centres but only where the mart centre can safely accommodate them and can martial the 2-metre social distancing.

“Please only travel to your local mart if it is absolutely essential. General visitors and observers should not attend marts.”

“Adherence to the re-opening plans for society and the economy is essential so that we can ensure a full re-opening of marts on as near as normal a basis as possible over the coming months,” Doyle concluded.

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