SINN Féin’s Kerry TD Pa Daly, has made an urgent call for marts to re-open immediately.

Deputy Daly said the situation in Kerry was particularly poor in relation doing business online as rural broadband was “non-existent”.

“The closure of the marts as part of Level 5 lockdown measures is proving a disaster for the farming community,” said Deputy Daly. “Mart sales are down 50% compared this time last year and the livelihood of farmers is threatened further by this closure.”

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“While Minister McConalogue states that marts can remain open via online sales, this is not a realistic option for many. Rural broadband is non-existent in Kerry and the vast majority of farmers are struggling to participate effectively in online marts, where they even exist.

“Compounding this, the online mart sales system “Livestock Live (LSL)” ran into technical difficulties and was offline while some marts were running. Many are hesitant to bid for an animal they are unable to see or inspect in person; post-sales inspections at the point of picking up the animal are considered “unworkable”.

“As well as being essential to trade, marts are key to the fabric of rural Ireland and provide the only meeting point many have in their working week. I have asked Minister McConalogue to review the situation as a matter of urgency.

“The marts themselves can designate staff to ensure social distancing is maintained, and the Department of Agriculture can also have its own inspectors ensure marts are compliant,” he concluded.