Claims Level Five Restrictions Putting Farming Sector Under Threat

Picture ©: Pat Flynn

An East Clare Fianna Fáil Councillor claims level five restrictions are putting the future of the farming sector under threat.

Pat Hayes’s comments come in the wake of what’s been described as chaos as marts across the country over the weekend, after the online system collapsed.

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Farmers and representative groups across the country have called for an urgent rethink, following what’s been described as ‘chaos’ at 17 marts across the country over the weekend.

The online system collapsed for a number of hours on Saturday, impacting heavily on trade.

Concerns had been raised in the Dáil ahead of the weekend by Clare’s Independent TD Michael McNamara, who pressed the Taoiseach to amend level five restrictions, so that farmers could continue to trade under existing guidelines put in place for level three.

Micheal Martin ruled out a change, however, saying the restrictions were necessary for the six-week period under public health advice.

Manager of Clare Marts, Martin McNamara believes the restrictions go too far.

An East Clare Councillor is now calling on all politicians to step up to the mark and ensure the restrictions are changed to protect the sector.

Maghera Fianna Fáil Councillor and farmer Pat Hayes says it’s a critical and essential service.