Marts which are operating a 1m social distancing rule must cap maximum attendees at 50 around a sales ring, the Department of Agriculture has confirmed to the Irish Farmers Journal.

Marts must also limit each individual’s attendance at sales to 105 minutes.

Last week it was revealed that the social distancing requirement for people attending mart sales had been reduced from 2m to 1m.

The Department is satisfied with the implementation by marts of the new protocols and HSE advice

A Department spokesperson said that some smaller marts have availed of this measure as it allows them approximately 30-35 attendees, whereas under the 2m social distancing rule it would be limited to 20-25. Marts with larger ringsides have continued with the 2m rule.

The Department is satisfied with the implementation by marts of the new protocols and HSE advice.

However, it warned that as sheep sales increase in size, it may be necessary to conduct sheep sales in batches in outside penned areas.

For marts in the Republic of Ireland, the Department said that the requirement to wear “face coverings is a matter for the central Government response to COVID-19”.