Teagasc has appointed Donall Flanagan as a Nursery Stock/Ornamentals Specialised Advisor, based at the Teagasc Horticulture Development Department at Ashtown.

He will be working as part of a team of Specialised Advisors in the Horticulture Development Department led by Dermot Callaghan.

Flanagan has been working as a Teagasc Horticultural lecturer over the last nine years in Kildalton College and more recently in the College of Amenity Horticulture in the Botanic gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin.

Prior to that, he worked with Dun Laoighaire-Rathdown Parks department. He also has experience in landscaping and in horticultural research.

He is a graduate of UCD with an Honours Degree in Agricultural Science and he went on to complete an MSc investigating the phytopathogen status of native Irish apple trees.

While Flanagan will provide technical assistance to growers around specific management and production issues associated with propagation, IPM and sustainable production, Teagasc has said that he will also work closely with Bord Bia and other industry stakeholders including the IHNSA to set a course for this sector towards 2025.

Teagasc

Donall Flanagan

Speaking on his appointment he said that it’s an exciting time to become involved with the industry as recent indications show increasing demand for plant material due to increasing economic activity.

Growers and retailers can capitalise on these and other opportunities and I look forward to working with all parties to support them to maximise these chances.

“I have been fortunate to get to know many growers and retailers already through teaching and look forward to developing successful relationships over the coming years.”

Dermot Callaghan, Head of the Teagasc Horticulture Development Department, said that “Donall has an excellent track record of lecturing and working specifically in this area of horticulture.”

He also said that he looks forward to supporting Donall and ultimately the growers and producers operating in this economically important area of horticulture.