Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 408: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food the reason it is proposed to close the regional veterinary laboratory (details supplied) in County Clare; if she will retain the laboratory in its present location; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9248/05]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Under the decentralisation programme, a single laboratory complex will be located in Macroom to cater for the Munster region. Early in 2004, my Department reviewed its laboratory services for the southern region and the local office service for Cork in the context of the decentralisation programme and the Government decision to allocate land at Model Farm Road in Cork for the affordable housing initiative. As a result of the review, it was decided to establish a new regional veterinary headquarters for Munster in Macroom. Implementation of the decision will involve the amalgamation of the three existing laboratories at Model Farm Road in Cork and the two laboratories in Limerick, including the laboratory at Knockalisheen.

The decision was taken by the Cabinet sub-committee on decentralisation and forms part of the Government's overall decentralisation plan.