Teagasc offices open for pre-arranged appointments

TEAGASC advisory offices are open for pre-arranged appointments only and for staff who are unable to work from home.

As with most other organisations where staff deal directly with members of the public, each Teagasc location has set up a bio-secure office for essential one-to-one consultations.

This will involve a double desk with a clear perspex divider and a computer with two screens.

Clients will be asked to wait in their cars to prevent contact in waiting areas and, where essential, clients may also have to sign forms in the office parking area.

In a statement, the organisation also said that all basic payments appointments will now be processed over the phone rather than through an office consultation.

Farming clients will be contacted over the coming weeks and BPS applications for clients will predominantly be executed over the phone.

Teagasc farmer discussion group meetings are being replaced with one-hour phone meetings between farmers and their advisors.

Farm visits are only being carried out at the request of clients and only for urgent issues.

Social distancing and hygiene protocols will be adhered to. In line with Government protocols, Teagasc agriculture and horticulture colleges and education centres remain closed until March 29.

The local offices for Wexford farmers can be contacted through: Enniscorthy (053 9239210); Gorey (053 9481071); Johnstown Castle (053 9171200); and Mullinavat (051 898137).