Associated Livestock Marts, the body which represents many privately owned marts in Ireland and some co-operative marts, has advised customers to keep in contact with their local marts to see if sale dates are going ahead as planned.

A statement released by the association said: “Each of our member marts will be making their own decision on whether to continue to trade or not so please keep in contact with your local mart.

“Rural Ireland prides itself on community spirit and we, Associated Livestock Marts, have a long and established link in these communities. We will continue to monitor the situation and review our position as often as we are informed or requested to do so.”

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Recommended guidelines

The statement highlighted that ALM member marts are following all recommended guidelines discussed in recent days.

“Regarding information released yesterday (11 Marc, 2020) by the Government and HSE, we have encouraged our members to review their mart policy with regard to patron health and safety,” it said.

The marts have put the following guidelines in place:

  • “We kindly ask that only ‘trading customers’ should attend marts until further notice, ie only those buying or selling livestock. We are very aware that the mart is very much a social outlet for farmers, but we feel it prudent to ensure numbers are kept below recommend guidelines.”

  • “We most respectfully ask non-trading patrons to refrain from visiting until further notice up to 29 March 2020 when further guidance will be provided.”
  • “The number of people attending individual mart ringsides at any one time will be limited to 100, which will be managed on a strict rotation system, ie using admission cards which will be rotated among patrons at the entrance / exit to the mart ringside or other such monitoring methods as devised by the mart.”

    • Community spirit

    The mart body said it has and will continue to take every step necessary to ensure the safety, health and wellbeing of everyone associated with their marts nationwide. It also asks customers to be mindful of neighbours and elderly who may need help.

    “This community spirit will carry us through the next number of weeks. Please look after each other, check on neighbours by phone/text etc. and be especially mindful of the elderly. Coronavirus is a general public health issue. Relevant information is available at www.hse.ie.”

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