WEEKLY sales of livestock have resumed after a temporary venue was found at the old abattoir in Tromode.
The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture pulled the plug on the old auction site in St John’s at the end of last year after ruling it didn’t comply with modern day regulations.
Building work on a new mart at Knockaloe has begun but it will be summer before the facility will be up and running.
Many in the farming industry believe the lack of a regular livestock sale has contributed to an increase in the export of animals off-island.
But now Central Marts has been offered the use of the old abattoir site at Tromode to stage weekly livestock sales. Two auctions have been held so far.
Auctioneer Peter Quayle said: ‘The initial sales have had small numbers of stock but have been well supported – this has provided us with a useful opportunity to iron out any teething problems with staging the sales, and we are now looking forward to our next auctions with increased numbers of stock and bidders.
‘The old Lairage is a useful venue with suitable access, cattle handling facilities and importantly provides the opportunity for a regular mart due to the compliance with animal health and welfare legislation.’