Marts around the country will re-open for business today 89 days after the Taoiseach confirmed the first and only foot-and-mouth outbreak in the State at Proleek, Co Louth.
The move marks a major step for Irish farmers although the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Walsh said the measures would be kept under review.
Mr Tom Parlon, leader of the Irish Farmers Association, said re-opening the marts represented a final step in the return to normality in the cattle business. He added that while farmers bore the brunt of the foot-and-mouth regulations, the whole community, rural business in particular, paid a heavy price.
Mr Parlon continued that a review of restrictions on controls on the importation of meat and livestock from countries with inadequate foot-and-mouth controls was urgently required.
Auctioneers will be equally glad to see the marts re-open as many have not been paid for over three months and are seeking compensation for loss of wages.
SIPTU’s Galway office said it has been contacted by auctioneers - most of whom are considered self-employed - seeking an alternative payment method in future.
