Sixmilebridge Co-op Mart in Clare is operating without a licence from the Property Services Regulatory Authority. The Dealer is reminded of this now and again by other marts in the vicinity, upon whose toes it has tread.

The mart has applied for a PSRA licence, has been turned down, is in the process of submitting another application and is hopeful of getting it “very soon”, according to manager Sean Ryan.

Ryan has been in the cattle mart business for the past six years, he points out.

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The mart had a successful 2014, putting through almost 18,000 head of cattle and with turnover of more than €16m, he says. Accounts for 2014 will be published shortly.

The Dealer understands that Sixmilebridge is one of about half a dozen marts around the country which, for one reason or another, is not currently licensed by the PSRA.

Farmers selling cattle have extra layers of protection – for payment – when the mart they use is licensed.