Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:831 Mr. O'Malley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry the plans, if any, he has for his Department's lands at Abbotstown, County Dublin. [15055/96]
Written Answers. - Abbotstown (Dublin) Lands.
My Department's research laboratory complex and lands at Abbotstown provide specialised facilities and expertise in relation to the study, diagnosis, and control of specified animal diseases in the State. They also provide laboratory support for the programme of eradication of indigenous animal disease as well as continuous research into new and emerging diseases. The laboratory is also involved in the implementation of EU Directives on the diagnosis and control of exotic diseases.
This work is an integral and vital element of my Department's operations, and is likely to continue to be based at Abbotstown for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, I have no plans to dispose of any part of the complex. A number of improvements to the facilities at Abbotstown are in progress or envisaged, notably the provision of secure fencing around the entire perimeter of the complex.