Talks are ongoing between the Irish Cooperative Organisation Society (ICOS) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine regarding the possible resumption of mart auctions under strict protocols, according to the co-op representative body.

A range of protocols are actively being discussed between ICOS Co-operative Marts and the Department of Agriculture to try and resume a limited and strictly enforced auction process in livestock marts as quickly as the Government will allow, ICOS has said.

‘Workable protocol’

Commenting, Ray Doyle, livestock and environment executive of ICOS, said:

“We have been working with senior department officials for some time and have taken detailed legal and public health advice to put forward a workable protocol to protect all our communities from Covid-19 in line with the necessity to maintain and evaluate the true value of livestock via a competitive auction process.”

Traders would attend by appointment only and social distancing would be rigorously adhered to during the process.

General visitors, members of the public or other farmers would not be allowed to enter marts under any circumstances while Covid-19 measures are in place, ICOS said.

‘Subject to onward consideration’

Doyle stressed that the outcome of any such discussions with the department would be subject to onward consideration and approval by the health authorities.

“That is as it should be,” he said. “We welcome our ongoing engagement with the Department of Agriculture which is keen to support rural communities in every way possible while ensuring compliance with all necessary health restrictions.”

Doyle concluded, stating: “This proposed adjustment is designed to ensure animal welfare, to maintain the supply chain, to ensure continuity in the national herd and to avoid any glut in the trade of animals while also allowing for essential economic activity to take place, while foremost in our discussions is not to add to the spread of Covid-19.”