Teagasc announces closure of centres

Teagasc is to close ten of its centres and its dairy farm at Ballinamore, County Leitrim.

The move comes following a significant cutback in the organisation's finances.

This is reflected in the fact that Teagasc is facing a potential deficit of €15m this year.

The centres to close include Baileborough in Cavan, Loughrea in Galway, Manorhamilton in Leitrim, Boyle in Roscommon, Tullow in Carlow, Cork City, Corduff in Dublin, Mullinavat in Kilkenny, Gorey in County Wexford and Wicklow town.

The dairy farm at Ballinamore, County Leitrim is to be sold.

Staff affected by the move will be offered positions in other centres.

However, spokesperson Michael Miley said: "In some limited cases we have sought authorisation from the government for the introduction of a voluntary early retirement scheme.

"But that will be targeted at a very small number of staff who may not be able to transfer to other areas of employment in Teagasc or other centres in Teagasc."