Written answers

Wednesday, 21 March 2012

Department of Agriculture, Marine and Food

Teagasc Rationalisation Programme

9:00 pm

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has been briefed by Teagasc on the proposed closure of the Kinsealy research centre, Dublin, and relocation of staff and the Kinsealy function to the Teagasc Ashtown facility, Dublin; if he is satisfied that the Ashtown facility has the requisite land and services necessary for the critical horticulture research that has been undertaken at the Kinsealy research centre; if the Ashtown centre will have to buy or lease any land to facilitate the Kinsealy horticulture functions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14595/12]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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This is an operational matter for Teagasc, a non commercial semi state body operating under the aegis of my Department. Ministerial responsibility is confined to matters of policy in accordance with the Act and the Minister does not interfere in the day to day operations of Teagasc.

I have been advised by Teagasc that the proposed closure of the Kinsealy Research Centre is part of a rationalisation programme to improve efficiencies, streamline services and promote greater integration across the organisation.

The decision reflects the considered view of Teagasc that the Centre is no longer a strategic site for the organisation. In the vicinity of Dublin, Teagasc currently operates at two owned locations at Kinsealy and Ashtown as well as using the unique leased facilities of the Botanic Gardens. The facilities at Kinsealy and Ashtown represent "Campus" type operations. Teagasc advise that the position of these two major facilities in close proximity is exceptional when compared to the siting of all other Teagasc current locations of campus operations. Accordingly, in order to develop a coherent national rationalisation plan, Teagasc decided that it was necessary to maintain only a single facility in Dublin and a decision was made to close the Kinsealy facility and concentrate activities at Ashtown. The move to Ashtown will allow Teagasc optimize the usage of this valuable Centre where excellent facilities have been developed in recent years.

Teagasc has advised that the re-location of services from Kinsealy will not impact negatively on their support for the horticulture sector. The role of horticultural research at Kinsealy has diminished significantly and most of the 37 permanent staff currently based there are not involved in Horticulture Research and could operate from other sites. In fact, only 1.5 permanent horticulture researchers now work in Kinsealy.

Teagasc has published a new Horticultural Plan designed to provide improved support to the sector. The Plan sets out how Teagasc will support the horticultural industry from Ashtown and other facilities and in particular through closer co-operation with producer clients to undertake specific research at their facilities. I understand that Teagasc has recently been made aware that some lands immediately adjacent to their Ashtown Centre have become available and they may consider leasing some of these lands at a future date if a business case can be made.

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