Marts ‘threatened by road rules’

NEW animal transport rules, due to be introduced in the near future, will threaten the viability of local livestock marts, Fine Gael claimed yesterday.

The regulations are designed to improve the welfare of animals being transported within member states and throughout the European Union.

Fine Gael agriculture spokesman Denis Naughten said the EU rules will mean that all hauliers, including farmers, who transport animals over 40 miles, will have to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture and Food and undergo a competency course.