Vol. 476 No. 2
245 Mr. Jacob asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will establish a district veterinary office in east Wicklow, even on a part-time basis, in view of the availability of a suitable office as Ashford Mart and the fact that this facility is urgently required and has long been sought by the local farming community. [6620/97]
My Department's district office currently located in Agriculture House, Kildare Street serves farmers in Dublin and east Wicklow. In the context of the implementation of the Charter of Rights for Farmers, to facilitate and benefit farmers in the region in question, it has been decided to relocate this office to a site more convenient for all concerned.
In this regard my Department, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works, is presently examining the suitability of an office in Tallaght. This area would be much more convenient for farmers in north and south County Dublin and east Wicklow than the present location of the office in Dublin city centre. If our accommodation requirements in terms of space and car parking facilities can be adequately met it is hoped that a new office will be opened in Tallaght later this year. In the meantime it would not be practical or economical to relocate the office on a temporary basis in any other area in the district.
