Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney has told the Dáil that Teagasc's Kinseally Research Centre should close.
Minister Simon Coveney said that Teagasc cannot maintain four sites in the greater Dublin area.
The Kinseally Research Centre carries out research and technical development for the Irish horticultural industry
Mr Coveney said Teagasc has committed to spending €4.8m on Teagasc's Food Research Centre in Ashtown to facilitate the move.
The Socialist Party's Clare Daly asked why another €2.5m will be used to create classrooms at the Botanic Gardens to train students when those facilities already exist at the Kinsealy centre.
Minister Coveney said it is part of a rationalisation programme.
