Taoiseach opens extended training facility at Kildalton College
1 September 2005
New lecture rooms and computer teaching laboratories at Teagasc’s Kildalton Agricultural College in Co Kilkenny were officially opened today (Thursday, September 1st, 2005) by An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern, TD.
The new teaching facilities and student computer centre are part of a major upgrading by Teagasc of its teaching and training facilities nationwide. The investment reflects Teagasc’s commitment to providing well-resourced, accredited training programmes to the land-based and agri-food sectors.
Kildalton College, which has a student population of 370, is the main Teagasc training facility in the South-East, offering land-based vocational training courses. Originally acquired as an agriculture and horticulture college by the Department of Agriculture in 1971, it is now the largest training centre within the Teagasc network of colleges.
The college has developed a strong partnership with Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). Students can progress to ordinary degrees (diploma level) in the joint agriculture, horticulture and forestry courses offered by WIT and Kildalton.
Teagasc also provides a comprehensive range of courses, skills training and information events at Kildalton College for farmers and agri-food personnel.
At today’s opening ceremony, Dr Tom O’Dwyer, chairman of Teagasc, said: “Teagasc is investing in excess of €15 million to upgrade educational and student facilities in agricultural and horticultural colleges. Teagasc annual expenditure on its education and training programmes amounts to €20 million. Almost 14,000 people participate in Teagasc education programmes annually.”
He said Teagasc was fully committed to meeting future needs in agricultural education. “To this end, Teagasc recently commissioned a comprehensive review of its education and training programmes. This review was undertaken by the Teagasc Education and Training Forum, chaired by Professor John Coolahan. The review involved extensive, detailed consultation with all stakeholders. The Review recommendations are now being considered by Teagasc,” he added.
Following the opening, the Taoiseach planted a tree in the college grounds.
He later visited the nearby Iverk Agricultural Show. The first Iverk Show was held 179 years ago on the front lawn of Bessborough House, now Kildalton College.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Teagasc by
Larry O’Loughlin, A/Head, Public Relations Department, Teagasc,
Tel: 059 918 3408; 087 256 2434; Email: loloughlin@hq.teagasc.ie
