Closure of Ballinamore Teagasc Centre
Sinn Féin Councillor Liam McGirl says he is appalled by the
proposed closure of the Teagasc Model Farm in Ballinamore, County
Leitrim. He says it is tragedy for the workers involved who will
lose much-needed jobs.
It is also tragic for the future of agriculture in South Leitrim.
This closure is a big psychological blow to families. It is
sending a signal that Leitrim and agriculture in the area is no
longer a priority. This is a worrying trend with Leitrim's
falling population and lack of real employment.
Councillor McGirl said he feared that eh management in Teagasc
who were all Cork and Dublin based did not understand the needs
of Leitrim and the vital importance of the family farm in the
West. Central government and agencies such as Teagasc had
apparently given up on Leitrim. They were allowing so called
``market forces to dictate the future and this was bad for the
people of Leitrim. It led only to emigration, depopulation and
decline. Afforestation was replacing agriculture. It was getting
all the incentive and it was very destructive to Leitrim and was
a hindrance to the survival of the county dn its people and
Leitrim, he hoped will fight back. Councillor McGirl said he
would be joining with others to try at this late stage to save
jobs at the Model Farm.
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