Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for coming to the House to respond to my concerns about the future of the Teagasc centre in Manorhamilton. It came to light only last week that the centre's future was in question. A similar problem arose in 2003, when it appeared that Teagasc was planning to close its smaller offices throughout the country.

Teagasc or its predecessor, ACOT, has always maintained an advisory service in Manorhamilton, which is my local town. I have special responsibility for that area as the only Government Member from County Leitrim. The current office was built in the early 1970s and it has served the people of the area well over the years. When it was previously threatened with closure, we managed to keep it open. Since Christmas, the Teagasc office in Sligo was closed and its staff were moved to Manorhamilton, where five or six people are currently employed. Most of the staff would be happy to remain in Manorhamilton because it is easier to access than the suggested alternative of Ballymote for those who come from north County Sligo. If we end up with Teagasc offices in Ballymote in south County Sligo and Mohill in south County Leitrim, the northern parts of counties Sligo and Leitrim will not be covered by an office and farmers will have to travel 40 or 45 miles to Ballymote or Mohill.

Manorhamilton is ideally situated and Teagasc operates from a purpose built office in the town. I will be attending a beef discussion group meeting at the office this evening and a sheep group has also been set up in the area. It is vital for the farmers of the area that we maintain the office. It would also encourage young farmers who are currently studying at agricultural colleges to stay in the industry. Farmers from north County Sligo are also attending courses and discussion groups at the office.

Under the Croke Park agreement, staff who move further than 40 km can incur additional costs, which would create further problems for Teagasc. We are only looking at the cost of running it. That building cannot be sold in the current market and it will just sit there. Significant amounts have been spent on the building since Christmas to facilitate the move from Sligo. It would be a great pity at this stage if the office was closed.