The Cratloe-based General Secretary of the ICSA insists that if common sense prevails, the Regional Veterinary Lab in South-East Clare will be kept open.
It comes as the Department of Agriculture has admitted that significant investment is needed at the facility in Knockalisheen.
A working group is currently assessing the future of the wider laboratory services of the Department of Agriculture, and many claim the process could lead to the end of the Knockalisheen faciility.
It has even been reported that the group has recommended it’s closure, although the Junior Agriculture Minister insists that’s not the case.
Farmers here have expressed concern that this would amount to a ‘backward step’ while some vets say it will be more difficult to detect diseases.
Junior Agriculture Minister Andrew Doyle says no decision has been made on the future of the South East Clare facility – he’s outlined the proposed costs of upgrading the facilities, which has also been assessed.
The ICSA is meeting with the expert working group next week and it’s General Secretary, Cratloe man Eddie Punch says there’s no economic case to be made for closing the laboratory.
He says farmers will continue their opposition towards the closure of the facility:
