Tommy Broughan TD

tommy broughan » news

Broughan Slams Invisible Sargent On Fingal Teagasc Closure

Issued : Thursday 28 January, 2010

Local Dublin North East Labour T.D. Tommy Broughan has strongly criticised Horticulture Minister Trevor Sargent for his refusal to address the proposed closure of the Northside Teagasc agriculture research centre in Kinsealy, Fingal, Dublin 1 7 in Dail Eireann.

The Kinsealy Centre employs 85 people and has a key role in horticulture and agriculture research and development. Staff at the facility were stunned to learn before Christmas that there were plans to close the Kinsealy Centre down and possibly relocate the 85 staff members.

"The Kinsealy Centre is an outstanding horticulture and forestry research facility. Horticulture and food production is a very important industry and employer for North County Dublin and the wider region", said Deputy Broughan. "I understand that the Teagasc budget was slashed by €14 million in 2009 with further reductions in 2010. Yet it is still very disappointing that the Kinsealy Centre is being targeted for closure. Staff have also reported that they are unsure about Teagasc’s future plans for the Kinsealy facility and where they may be relocated to."

"I have tried to raise this matter more than four times over the past week in the Dail with the Tanaiste, Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith and Horticulture Minister Trevor Sargent. It is particularly disappointing that Horticulture Minister and North Dublin Deputy Trevor Sargent has absolutely refused each time to address this matter. Minister Sargent is becoming increasingly invisible in Dail Eireann and now only makes rare fleeting visits to the Dail chamber."