The IFA has called on Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue to consider allowing sellers of livestock, as well as buyers, to return to the mart ring once restrictions are lifted on 17 May.

Livestock chair Brendan Golden welcomed the announcement that buyers are to return and said it was an important part of the reopening of the country, which would help the normal flow of mart trade.

He said the phased reopening was a reflection of the work done by farmers and marts in adhering to COVID-19 guidelines, but stressed that guidelines should still be observed as restrictions were lifted.

“We all have a part to play in our progress towards a full return to normality,” he said.