Seán Kyne (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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261. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update with regard to the establishment of a suckler research herd at a location (details supplied) in County Galway; the possible impact this may have on sheep numbers and sheep research at this location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3589/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have stated in response to recent questions on this issue, the establishment of a suckler demonstration farm in Athenry is an operational matter for Teagasc and its governing Authority, which is representative of the main stakeholder groups in the agrifood sector, including the farm organisations.

Following stakeholder representations over a number of years, Teagasc intend to establish the farm in Athenry to serve farmers in the West of Ireland. It will be modelled on the well known Greenfield dairy demonstration farm in Kilkenny, which annually attracts large numbers of farmers and discussion groups. The Greenfield model is very highly regarded, and provides a public good demonstration service to all farmers in the dairy sector. The Athenry suckler project will operate along similar lines with the aim of demonstrating to farmers, the profit that can be obtained from a well run suckler beef farm. Teagasc will disseminate the research results to farmers through its advisory service. The farm is expected to attract large numbers of farmers and discussion groups, once established.

I understand that it will be located on land rented by Teagasc in Athenry, which is not required for the Teagasc sheep research programme.