Work on essential farm buildings such as milking parlours and calf sheds already under construction will be allowed to continue during the stricter lockdown approved by Government.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting debated what type of projects should be halted and what would be deemed essential.

It is understood that milking parlours, calf sheds and other farm building work related to animal welfare will be allowed to continue, falling under the allowance for large-scale projects under construction.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said that any farmer with queries about whether their building work will be deemed essential should contact the Department.

Sole traders, such as plumbers and electricians, will be allowed to work on an emergency call-out basis.

On retail restrictions, the move to click and deliver services only applies to non-essential retail. Agri retailers and veterinary supplies are deemed to be essential retail.

The pandemic unemployment payment and wage subsidy schemes will remain in place as they stand until 31 March. Level 5 restrictions are already in place in marts with online bidding and a “drop and go” system in place.

“As a people we have responded well to the different phases of this pandemic,” Taoiseach Micheál Martin said.

“Personal responsibility and behaviour are key to getting through it.”