Flanagan to retire from role as Teagasc director

TEAGASC director Jim Flanagan has decided to retire on September 21 on reaching eligibility for full pension.

But he will work as a corporate strategist on contract for Teagasc on a part-time basis up to the end of 2009.

He will play an active part in ensuring Teagasc fully participates in delivering the Strategy for Science, Technology and Innovation, recently published by the Government. Mr Flanagan, a native of Ballintubber, Co Roscommon, is also expected to play a key role bringing a new research vision plan being developed by Teagasc to fruition.

A graduate in agriculture science from the National University of Ireland, he spent his early career as a research scientist in universities in the US. He joined the Department of Agriculture in 1972 and was appointed chief inspector in 1995. In 2002, he was appointed director of Teagasc.

Earlier this year, he was at the centre of a major row between farmers and Teagasc over its handling of the nitrates directive.

Teagasc administration director Tom Kirley will take over as acting director. A full-time appointment is expected in the New Year.

Meanwhile Teagasc has approved the appointment of Tom Collins as the new director of corporate and management services.