Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In many places in the programme for Government, there is a commitment to rural Ireland. There is also a commitment to excellence in animal health and disease prevention. In the context of that, there is an issue in Sligo with the regional veterinary office. I raised this issue in the House before. I was informed that there was going to be a review. My understanding is that this review has recommended the closure of the Sligo veterinary office. I want to get a commitment from the Government that that is not going to happen, because it would have a huge detrimental impact on the whole rural community of Sligo, Leitrim and the north west. If that facility closed, it would mean there would be no veterinary office anywhere north of the line between Dublin and Galway. That would be totally inappropriate. Will the Government give a commitment that it is going to keep the veterinary office open in Sligo?

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