asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will outline in detail his plans for the future development and expansion of the district veterinary office in Tipperary town.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Veterinary Office.
4.
My Department have asked the Office of Public Works to arrange for the provision of additional accommodation to meet the present needs of the district veterinary office in Tipperary. To meet the longer term requirements the Office of Public Works have been asked to arrange for the erection or acquisition of suitable alternative accommodation in that town.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, is he aware of the unrest in Tipperary town over the proposed fragmentation of the office? It is rumoured — perhaps the Minister can verify whether there is any substance in the rumours — that the office will be transferred to Nenagh in North Tipperary? Is the Minister also aware that there are many sites available to his Department and to the Office of Public Works for the erection of a completely new district veterinary office in Tipperary Town?
We are making every effort to have suitable accommodation in Tipperary. The second part of the Deputy's question is true. We have had long-term plans for a district veterinary office to serve Tipperary in Thurles, County Tipperary, and that met with some opposition. I, and I am sure my predecessor also, met deputations from Tipperary and Nenagh. Because of the type of service that was being given from Tipperary for North Tipperary, it was decided that the best solution is continuation of the office in Tipperary with proper accommodation and a new office in Nenagh.
Further arising out of the Minister's reply, the phrase "every effort is being made" is very vague. Can the Minister be a little more explicit and give us details of what that means, because we have from time to time been in touch with both his office and the Department of Public Works and we have indicated where sites and extra accommodation are available for an office? Perhaps the Minister would just indicate what "every effort" means.
Earlier this year about 700 sq. ft. became available in Irish House, Main Street, about a quarter of a mile from the district veterinary office and the Office of Public Works have at least this area for the district veterinary office.