As I have stated in previous replies to the Deputy and as was stated during the Seanad debate on 21 April 2011, the Kinsealy Research Centre is owned by Teagsac, the Agriculture, Food and Development Authority and the decision to close the Centre and transfer staff and activities to Ashtown is an operational matter for Teagasc. Accordingly, it is the responsibility of Teagasc management to assess, budget and plan the move to Ashtown. I understand from Teagasc that the re-location is in progress and it is expected that staff and activities will be moved as facilities are made available in Ashtown.
Teagasc advise that savings in overhead and staff costs can be realized from operating at one site in Ashtown as opposed to two sites (Kinsealy and Ashtown). They have carefully assessed the potential investment attributable to relocation and estimate potential once off upfront capital costs of €4.8m. The actual costs will depend on the results of competitive tendering processes. Teagasc expect that the savings generated from consolidating activities in Ashtown will offset re-location costs over a 7 year period.
I am also advised by Teagasc that the decision to upgrade education facilities in the Botanic Gardens predates the decision to consolidate operations in Ashtown and is necessary to accommodate the increased demand for horticultural courses.
