Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 July 2026
136. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science whether he will intervene urgently to prevent large scale redundancies and the closure of courses at Carlow College. [50262/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this matter. While Carlow College is a private, autonomous institution outside my direct remit, the state has nonetheless engaged significantly and provided substantial financial support in recent years.
An independent review in 2024 confirmed that the College was in an unsustainable financial position and faced the very real risk of an unplanned cessation of its operations, with severe consequences for students, staff and the local community. In response, a structured engagement process, involving SETU and supported by independent mediation and due diligence, was put in place to work through the issues and examine a range of options.
That process has led to a jointly agreed framework which, importantly, does not seek to prolong an unviable situation, but instead provides for a managed and time-bound transition. It ensures an orderly, phased winding-down of activity over two years to 2028, in place of what would otherwise have been an abrupt, chaotic and highly disruptive closure.
The framework also provides for significant State support linked to the transfer of the campus to SETU, which is expected to support the College in meeting its obligations, including to staff. While I cannot intervene directly to prevent redundancies in Carlow College as a private institution, I have consistently emphasised the need for fair, transparent engagement with staff, with these matters to proceed through representative bodies and trade unions.
I am satisfied based on the agreed approach from Carlow College and SETU Governing Authorities, that this approach represents the most responsible course available, protecting students, supporting staff through a structured process, and promoting the ongoing enhancement of higher education and community facilities in Carlow and the wider region.
