The newly established Agriculture Appeals Agency is to be located in Portlaoise,
Co Laois, the local Fianna Fβil TD, Mr Seβn Fleming, has claimed.
Legislation was passed in the Dβil before the summer recess to set up the agency but the location was not specified. Mr Fleming, however, said the Government had already started preparations for the siting of the agency in Portlaoise.
Mr Fleming, TD for Laois-Offaly, said the Department of Agriculture had not made an announcement or public statement about it.
The Office of Public Works had advertised that it was seeking 6,000 sq ft of office accommodation in the town, he said. The advertisements did not specify the purpose of the accommodation but anybody who telephoned to inquire was told about it.
"The OPW is looking for office accommodation for the agricultural appeals agency and it became public knowledge very quickly," Mr Fleming said.
He added that the agency would be in Portlaoise town rather than in a more rural area as it needed to be central.
Farmers will be able to appeal any complaints over grants, levies, pensions or any decisions by the Department of Agriculture.
The agency will be along the lines of the Social Welfare Agency and will be independent of the Department.
A chief executive officer and a staff of about 33 will be appointed to the agency. Recruitment for these positions would begin shortly.
A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture confirmed that a proposal for the agency to be located in Portlaoise had been forwarded to the Department of
Finance.