Marts handling the majority of sheep in Kerry do not intend to install electronic tag readers as part of the Department’s plan to implement compulsory EID tagging for sheep.

While it will be compulsory for farmers to tag all sheep and lambs with electronic tags from 1 June, it will be optional for factories and marts to install systems to read them. The Department said the extension of EID tagging to all sheep is required to improve traceability, which will aid in maintaining and opening markets.

Dingle, Iveragh, Mid-Kerry and Kenmare Marts have all said increased costs to install and run an EID system means they will be opting out.

“The Department is making us piggy in the middle on this,” said Iveragh mart manager Mike Kissane. He said margins were already tight and the installation of an EID system would not provide any benefits to justify the cost.

The practicalities were questioned by Dingle mart manager Nelius McAuliffe, who said it would require hiring extra staff and would delay marts on sale day.

Dan McCarthy, Kenmare Mart manager, said the mart would not be able to read 3,000 sheep in the space of two hours.

EID tag readers need to be mandatory in factories – ICSA

EID tagging optional for marts and factories

Marts not intending to install sheep EID readers

While it will be compulsory for farmers to tag all sheep with electronic tags from 1 June, it will be optional for factories and marts to install systems to read those tags.