This is a subscriber-only article
Marts will be exempt from the new COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the Government.
There was specific concern that the reduction in indoor numbers from 50 to six people would apply to marts. However, the Department of Agriculture told the Irish Farmers Journal that according to its understanding, the restriction did not apply to gatherings such as marts, where separate rules and protocols already apply.
The wearing of masks is already mandatory in the three lockdown counties and in other counties farmers are urged to wear them and abide by social distancing guidelines inside and outside marts.
There has been growing concern that some farmers have become overly relaxed about COVID-19 protocol in marts in recent weeks and this will be expected to improve if marts are to remain open.
Other restrictions include advising people over 70 to limit their interactions and people to work from home again where possible.
It is understood that farming is still deemed an essential business and farmers will be able to undertake farm business such as travelling to off-farms or hauling cattle as normal.
SHARING OPTIONS: