IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said the Irish sheep sector is a very important farming enterprise with 35,000 farmers and an output of €390m.

IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said the lamb trade has improved slightly this week with farmers getting €5.50/kg and top prices of €5.60/kg paid. He said lambs remain very scarce and farmers should negotiate hard on both price and weights.

IFA National Hill Committee Chairman Flor McCarthy has encouraged farmers to apply for the National Walks Scheme, which will double the number of national walks and benefit up to 2,000 farmers.

Speaking in the Cooley Mountains to coincide with the beginning of the lambing season, IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy accused dog owners who allow their pets to roam without restriction, of acting in a grossly irresponsible, reckless and selfish manner.