Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
567. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide details of any plans that affect the operation of the Teagasc Office in Swinford, County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46366/12]
View answerThis is an operational matter for the Teagasc Authority. Teagasc is currently implementing a major ‘Change Programme’ to rationalise resources and has decided to concentrate the delivery of its services at fewer centres. The existing network of advisory offices is being streamlined from 91 to 51 by end 2012. The decision to close offices is entirely a matter for the Teagasc Authority. I understand from Teagasc that the advisory office in Swinford is to close and that clients will be serviced through a newly opened clinic in Swinford and by advisors based in Ballina and other offices. Teagasc is committed to providing high quality advisory services to clients in the Mayo region and will retain offices in Ballina, Ballinrobe, Claremorris and Westport in addition to the advisory clinic in Swinford.
