'Change' on way as centre to close
EMPLOYEES FACING UNCERTAIN FUTURE
The Teagasc site in Kinsealy.
Wednesday January 27 2010
SOME 85 Fingal employees face an uncertain future with the news the Teagasc agricultural centre in Kinsealy is set to shut.
Staff were informed last month the centre would be closing as part of the organisation's 'Change' programme, although a confirmed date has yet to be established. While redundancies are not on the cards, workers have been left in the dark as a process of relocation begins, which could take two years to complete. A wide range of horticultural sectors are currently housed at the Malahide Road facility, including educational, rural economic research, forestry and advisory and staff have warned of the 'disastrous' consequences closure would bring.
' The advisory staff have contact with approximately 450 clients and farmers, which is almost 60% of all the farmers in County Dublin,' a Teagasc source said. 'Removing
the
last advisory office in Dublin is incredibly short-sighted and seems to be a decision not based on financial realities.
'Given the huge effort over the last three to four years to re-establish Kinsealy's research reputation, this would be disastrous.
' Young researchers could find themselves unsupported for years during what should be the most productive part of their career.
'The staff of Kinsealy implore the board to look further into this issue and delay passing this motion. They deserve to have the full facts before being asked to make such a premature and potentially flawed decision.'
A Teagasc spokesperson said a decision to close the facility was made 'in principal' before Christmas, adding a local partnership group had since been established.
'Discussions have only begun and a number of meetings have been held between management and staff,' they said. 'The decision has been taken to close it and discussions are taking place.
' There will be no redundancies as such and it's in the very early stages at this point. Management have started engaging with people working there with regard to relocation and how to implement the decision.
' There is no definite time frame, but we're looking at a year or two to try and achieve the level of change. We will look at which locations best suit different functions.
'There have been quite a few retirements in other parts of the organisation. We are beginning to prepare locations where people can move to.'
- Robin KIELY
