Government urged to keep regional veterinary laboratories

Farm leaders have called on the Government to retain and enhance the Department of Agriculture’s network of regional veterinary laboratories.

Consultations with stakeholders are taking place on the report of a working group on the future of the labs which are located in Athlone, Cork, Celbridge, Kilkenny, Limerick and Sligo.

Irish Farmers Association Animal Health Committee chairman Bert Stewart said the regional veterinary laboratory services are highly regarded and a vital support for farmers. He said the focus of Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and his officials must be the enhancement of services to farmers in all regional sites.