New measures are to be implemented at marts during the six-week Level 5 coronavirus restriction period. There will be no bidders allowed around the mart ring to purchase cattle and sellers must drop livestock and leave.

The new measures follow negotiations held jointly between the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS), Associated Livestock Marts and the Department of Agriculture.

The mart is no longer a public auction but rather an auction by appointment whereby all sellers and buyers must give advance notice of their intention to attend the centre, according to ICOS.

Face coverings are mandatory, while hand washing is essential and sanitising gels must be used.

As is currently the case, all people attending the mart must have their entry time and mobile number recorded.

All sellers dropping animals must immediately leave the mart premises once animals are unloaded.

Viewing livestock

All potential buyers must contact the mart manager to arrange and get approval to view livestock before the sale.

The actual viewing time allotted for viewing is up to the mart manager to decide. When the viewing time is up, all potential buyers must leave the mart premises and bid remotely online.

Level 5 lockdown: sellers must drop livstock and leave the mart premises.\ Donal O' Leary

Any mart without an online facility can use a tendering system as was in place last March, and ICOS has said that sales cannot start if buyers are on the premises.

Buyers must co-operate and adhere to all necessary measures instructed during viewing times.

No hanging around

Social distancing of 2m is obligatory at all times and there is to be no waiting or hanging around by customers on the premises.

ICOS is also advising that all sellers must be available to receive phone calls to accept/decline final bids for livestock.

Ray Doyle national livestock and environmental services executive of ICOS said the body appreciates the co-operation and assistance of its customers with these measures.

“I also strongly commend mart management and staff for the excellent job they are doing. While onerous, the measures are designed to support health and wellbeing for everyone in our communities,”Doyle said.

He also said it is essential that everyone works together to protect the health and wellbeing of people and communities throughout Ireland.

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