Livestock Market Approval

The Sales, Markets and Lairs order (Northern Ireland) 1975, as amended, requires that any premises offering livestock for sale must be approved by DARD.

A premises will be approved as a market if the planning, construction and operation of the market meet the standards set by DARD for that premises.  

The approval requirements include the provision of covered accommodation for the protection of some animals such as calves and facilities for the washing of vehicles used in transporting animals.  

Planning approval granted by the Northern Ireland Planning Service may also be required it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure this has been granted.  

A copy of the regulations can be obtained by contacting DARD using the contact details below.

Once an application is received you will be contacted by DARD within 15 working days to arrange an inspection visit.  The approval process will be discussed at the visit and an indication on when approval will be granted will also be given at this point.  When the inspection report is completed, providing all conditions are met, notice of approval will be issued within 10 working days. Normally approval is granted within 40 working days of an application being received.  

However in some cases the application process may take longer for instance where major structural work is required.  In these instances  the applicant will be kept informed of when approval is likely to be granted

No. It is in the public interest that the authority must process your application before it can be granted. If you have not heard from DARD within a reasonable period, please contact us.  You can do this online if you applied through the UK Welcomes service or use the contact details below.

Tell us about a change to your existing circumstances

Applicants will have an opportunity to discuss and redress issues affecting their eligibility during the approval process so that applications are not rejected.

However if an application is not approved, where necessary, applicants should contact the DARD using the contact details below.

If you have a complaint about an approved premises we would advise that the first contact is made with the premises by you - preferably in the form a letter (with proof of delivery).  If that has not worked, please contact the Department using the details below.

Further information can be obtained by contacting DARD at the address below:

Veterinary Service
Implementation Support Unit
Room 930
Dundonald House
Upper Newtownards Road
Ballymiscaw
BELFAST
BT4 3SB

E-mail: DARD.ImplementationSupportUnit@dardni.gov.uk

A list of currently approved markets can be obtained here