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Headford Mart in Co Galway is to allow only mart staff in its mart yard from Saturday, 14 April.
Only certified drovers will be allowed in the yard, a move which the mart describes as "taking a stand on health and safety".
The decision comes in the wake of a serious accident in Mohill Mart and the subsequent temporary closure of four Aurivo marts in the west for a safety review.
As revealed in the Irish Farmers Journal, there have been calls for a collective response to health and safety concerns by all marts.
Safety concerns
Announcing the decision, Headford Mart said: “Health and safety issues are always a growing concern in all marts and it’s time to make a change.
“We are aware that this will cause major concern for many farmers, customers, sellers and buyers. It will take a bit of time to get used to and to get a good practice in place, however we will co-operate with our customers if they are willing to co-operate with us.”
New procedure
The mart warned that the first sale on Saturday, under which the new rules will apply, may be very busy as a result, as only staff handle the loading, unloading and gathering of animals.
However it described the move as being in the best interest of all.
“We are only making this change for the safety of our customers, staff and livestock for the future.
Lockdown on farmer access at marts
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