It seems retail and the ring re-opened on the same day yesterday as marts welcomed back in-person buyers and sellers.
Yesterday Dungarvan and Waterford New Ross Mart based in Rosbercan opened their doors to buyers again.
Buyers may attend the sales ring and view stock in pens. However, this must be done by prior appointment with the livestock mart.
Those who wish to be present at ringside must wear face coverings and adhere to strict 2m social distancing. Marts must also prevent the congregation of members of the public in the mart car park or at entryways into mart buildings.
Marts must operate according to COVID-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) which have been approved by their Regional Veterinary Office.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Charlie McConalogue T.D, welcomed the return of buyers to the rings of livestock marts all over the country while adhering to public health guidelines.
Speaking to farmers and mart staff in Carndonagh Mart, Co Donegal yesterday, Minister McConalogue paid tribute to their efforts in keeping mart sales going while online.
“This is a great day for our network of marts across the country. Mart managers, their staff as well buyers and sellers of livestock have shown tremendous resilience, agility and resourcefulness over the past 12-months in dealing with the challenges of COVID-19 while continuing to trade so seamlessly,” said Minister McConalogue.
“I’m convinced the efforts of farmers and marts in recent months, adhering to the COIVD-19 measures, has undoubtedly played a role in minimising and reducing the threat of COVID-19 in our communities,” the Minister added.
Manager of Waterford-New Ross Mart, Richie Kirwan says it was especially great to see the older farmers back again.
"The social side of the mart is what's been sorely missed. A lot of the older lads have gotten their vaccine got and they were singin' going in the door - it was great to see them again.
"There are people who would have come in every Saturday even though they would only do business three or four times a year.
"Rural Ireland is under pressure- Post Offices are closing, the Creameries are closing, the pubs are going and it was one of the last branches of rural Ireland that are still there," Kirwan said.
