Approximately a quarter of all herdkeepers in Fermanagh who previously registered their animals by post are now using the DARD telephone registration service.

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) launched a new pilot telephone registration service in Fermanagh on the 28 January 2008 which allows herd keepers to register births, deaths and stillborn cattle over the telephone.

Kevin Dundas, DARD Direct Service Delivery Manager said: "We are constantly trying to deliver a better service to our customers, the Department is very pleased with the take up of the new service and we are glad that customers are finding it useful."

This telephone service is confidential, safe and easy for all customers to use. All calls are taken by staff at the DARD office at Inishkeen House. This does not replace the online services that DARD currently offer, instead it is providing an alternative for customers who usually post or deliver documents to their local DARD office, as herd records will be updated over the telephone.

Users have said that they find the service quick and convenient, and have described it as offering a 'first class service' compared to using a paper registration form and stated that it is definitely a service they will continue to use.

The registration line operates from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and all calls are taken by local staff in Enniskillen. The registration line number is 0845 3044 544.

Kevin Dundas, DARD Direct Service Delivery Manager added: "Some herd keepers have indicated that they are wary of the new system but I would like to reassure these customers that all calls are recorded, so it is perfectly safe, secure and there will always be a record of their call. So if you are a herd keeper in the Fermanagh area and have not yet tried the service please do not hesitate to contact us."