No U-turn on Teagasc offices closure, says director

WHILE the imminent closure of Teagasc offices in Ennistymon and Scariff have been described as “a backward step “for Clare farmers, the farming advisory body has insisted that there will be no going back on their decision.
Teagasc director Professor Gerry Boyle justified the move by pointing out that farming clients in Clare use their offices “on an irregular basis”, at an average of 1.5 visits per client per year.
“Our farming clients in Clare will continue to have access to the best possible advice through the provision of targeted programmes delivered by highly motivated skilled advisory staff based at our remaining offices in Ennis and Kilrush.
“Teagasc will continue to provide a fully comprehensive service and Gerard McMahon, area manager, is responsible for ensuring that clients will receive the best possible service,” he said.
Professor Boyle explained that Teagasc are currently engaged in a major change programme, which encompasses management structures, work practices, research, education and programme prioritisation, administrative efficiencies, technology transfer and service delivery methodologies.
The change programme was approved by Teagasc last February and in relation to its office network, the reduction in advisory offices from 91 to 51 was approved. Ennistymon and Scariff were the two offices in Clare approved for closure.
However, Deputy Pat Breen has described the closure of the two offices as “a backward step” because if farmers are to combat the worst effects of this recession, they should have access to the best possible advice locally.
“Farm incomes fell on average by 30% in 2009 and farmers are struggling. This week, farmers were dealt another blow following the imposition of carbon tax, which is being charged at a rate of 8.7% on agricultural diesel compared to 4.4% on road diesel.
“If farmers are to combat the worst effects of this recession, they should have access to the best possible advice locally. Farming is the backbone of Ireland’s countryside and it is a retrograde step to close down these offices in Ennistymon and Scarrif, coming as it does hot on the heels of the closure of the Department of Agriculture’s local office in Ennis, with Clare farmers now having to travel to Raheen at the far side of Limerick to transact their business.
“I am disappointed against the backdrop of the many challenges facing Clare farmers that Teagasc are proceeding with the closure of these offices. Both offices provided a valuable service locally to farmers. Rural policy appears to have been abandoned in this country. There should be a rethink on how farmers are expected to face the serious challenges with a drop in incomes and the exodus of young farmers from the land when local services which they depend or are being removed,” he emphasised.