The largest farming group in the country is to coordinate a national response to cover for farmers who fall ill or have to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic.

Marts across the country could face closure because of rising insurance costs, while the GAA has seen its insurance bill double in five years, said business and community figures.

The “legal extortion” of crippling insurance premiums is threatening the existence of Ireland’s social fabric, including farmers’ marts, festivals and community celebrations, GAA clubs, and even children’s charities.