Harkin says some marts now in ‘an extremely serious situation’
A Sligo/Leitrim TD says the future is ‘extremely grim’ for some marts and for farmers who are selling stock during the current Covid restrictions, and especially in areas of poor broadband coverage. Independent Deputy Marian Harkin says she has written to the Minister for Agriculture and Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue,…
Local Mart Manager unhappy with new guidelines
A local Mart manger has hit out at the latest Guidelines issued by ICOS, Associated Livestock marts and the Department of Agriculture which are aimed at helping Marts continue to operate throughout the next 6 weeks during the Level 5 restrictions. The new guidelines will allow marts to trade,…
New Guidelines issued to Marts to operate under level 5 restrictions
Following the Government’s announcement of Level 5 Covid Restrictions, which take effect from midnight, on Wednesday, ICOS has provided guidance and directions to mart managers and customers. The negotiations were held jointly between ICOS, Associated Livestock Marts and the Department of Agriculture. The guidelines look to protect the…
Marts allowed to operate in Donegal under Level 4
Marts will be allowed to continue to operate through Level 4 restrictions in Cavan, Monaghan and Donegal. New guidance has been issued which says livestock should be dropped off and then sellers leave the premises where possible. Inside the building around the mart ring strict social distancing will be in…
Plea to farmers: Wear your masks at the mart
The chairwoman of Sligo IFA is appealing to farmers and those attending marts to wear their face masks and to observe social distancing guidelines. In some marts, the places where people should stand or sit are marked out. Last week, the manager of Donegal mart, Emer McGuinness, called on farmers…
Aurivo to suspend mart sales in Ballymote and Mohill
Aurivo have confirmed that they are suspending livestock sales from next Monday 23rd March until at least the end of March. Aurivo Marts say the decision has been made in light of Covid-19 outbreak, and will be reviewed in due course. The last sales will take place in Ballymote and…
Mart insurance costs need to be dealt with – O’Rourke
A Leitrim county councillor is calling on the government to deal with the rising insurance costs for marts across Leitrim and the rest of the country. Speaking to Ocean FM news, Fianna Fail Councillor Paddy O’Rourke highlights how vital marts are to all farming communities across the North West and…