Gardaí in Co Meath stopped a farmer with a cattle box on his journey on Thursday and turned him home.
Reporting the incident on social media, Meath gardaí explained: “This farmer at a checkpoint today insisted his journey to Cavan to collect an animal was essential. After garda enquiries were made, it turned out it wasn't essential. He was directed to return home.”
We are trying to do our part to stop the spread of this virus
“Another motorist was stopped going from Ashbourne to deliver an item of furniture to a friend in Oldcastle. He too was turned around and sent home. Another motorist said he was going to the local food store but his sat nav told a different story. Also sent home. This is very disheartening folks.
“We are trying to do our part to stop the spread of this virus. Please stay at home, especially this Easter weekend. Only essential journeys to be made and stay within 2km from your home if exercising.”
The Department of Agriculture last week clarified that there is currently no ban on the movement of animals in the country.
Absolutely necessary
However, it has warned farmers to consider whether such movements are absolutely necessary.
A spokesperson for the Department told the Irish Farmers Journal on Monday: “Currently, there is no prohibition on the movement of animals within the country, noting that farming is identified as an essential service.
“Within this context, however, individuals undertaking any travel need to consider whether such a journey is actually essential within the context of the public health crisis that we are experiencing.”
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Gardaí in Co Meath stopped a farmer with a cattle box on his journey on Thursday and turned him home.
Reporting the incident on social media, Meath gardaí explained: “This farmer at a checkpoint today insisted his journey to Cavan to collect an animal was essential. After garda enquiries were made, it turned out it wasn't essential. He was directed to return home.”
We are trying to do our part to stop the spread of this virus
“Another motorist was stopped going from Ashbourne to deliver an item of furniture to a friend in Oldcastle. He too was turned around and sent home. Another motorist said he was going to the local food store but his sat nav told a different story. Also sent home. This is very disheartening folks.
“We are trying to do our part to stop the spread of this virus. Please stay at home, especially this Easter weekend. Only essential journeys to be made and stay within 2km from your home if exercising.”
The Department of Agriculture last week clarified that there is currently no ban on the movement of animals in the country.
Absolutely necessary
However, it has warned farmers to consider whether such movements are absolutely necessary.
A spokesperson for the Department told the Irish Farmers Journal on Monday: “Currently, there is no prohibition on the movement of animals within the country, noting that farming is identified as an essential service.
“Within this context, however, individuals undertaking any travel need to consider whether such a journey is actually essential within the context of the public health crisis that we are experiencing.”
Read more
Coronavirus: farmers over 70 allowed to work in certain cases
Marts seek Government grants to upgrade for online sales
EU proposes to extend state aid relaxation
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