Farmers oppose decentralisation

Farmers will step up their opposition this weekend to a proposed decentralisation of the Department of Agriculture office from Cork city to Macroom.

The IFA has asked all 44 branches likely to be affected by the move to send at least 10 members each to a public meeting in Fermoy on Friday night, as a signal to Agriculture Minister Joe Walsh of their opposition. Mr Walsh, Office of Public Works Minister Tom Parlon and local TDs and councillors have been invited to the 8.30pm meeting in Fermoy Youth Centre.

Farmers found the South Mall location of the department office in Cork city convenient, because commuting family members could make the frequent visits necessary in connection with the hundreds of farm schemes and services operated by the department.