Department shuts offices, cuts jobs

THE Department of Agriculture has started a process of local office closures and job cuts which will save it €30 million per year.

Offices are to close at 42 of the 200 locations where the department employs more than 4,000.

Within 12 months, staff based in 28 district veterinary offices, 20 agricultural environment and structures offices and 10 forestry offices will be brought together into 16 offices, enhanced in order to handle extra activity.