A new advisory group has been established to shape the long-term future of the Carlow College campus at St Patrick’s.
Former Education Minister Noel Dempsey will chair the group, which includes Carlow County Council and SETU, to create a future masterplan for the site.
The move follows confirmation that SETU will take over ownership of the campus when Carlow College completes its teach-out period in August 2028.
Government funding is being provided for the transition to ensure the site remains dedicated to education, community development, and regional growth.
The full statement is below….
The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science with the support of South East Technological University (SETU) announces a new Advisory Group to shape a long-term vision the future of the Carlow College, St Patrick’s campus.
The establishment of the Group reflects the shared commitment of the Minister and SETU to securing a sustainable and vibrant future for this important campus, ensuring it continues to serve the educational, social and economic needs of Carlow and the wider South East region for generations to come.
The Minister has appointed Mr Noel Dempsey, as chairperson of the Advisory Group. His experience as a former Minister for Education, will bring together representatives from SETU, Carlow County Council, Kilkenny and Carlow ETB and the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Working closely with key regional stakeholders, the Group will consider opportunities to maximise the future contribution of the campus to education, lifelong learning, innovation and community development. Work in underway currently to support St Leo’s School with its future campus plans.
In announcing this progress Minister Lawless stated:
“The establishment of this Advisory Group marks an important milestone in planning for the future of the Carlow College, St Patrick’s campus. This campus has played a significant role in the educational life of Carlow and the wider South East for generations, and it is important that we now take a long-term view of how this valuable asset can continue to serve the region in the years ahead.
“I am pleased to appoint Noel Dempsey to chair the Group and to bring together key local, regional and educational stakeholders to help shape a shared vision for the future of the campus. Their work will ensure that opportunities for education, learning, community engagement and regional development are carefully considered as part of the next chapter for the site.
“South East Technological University will play a central role in this process as the future owner of the campus. Through this collaborative approach, we are ensuring that the campus remains firmly rooted in education while also exploring how it can contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of Carlow and the wider South East.
“My Department is committed to supporting this transition and to preserving the long-term educational purpose of the campus. I look forward to the recommendations of the Advisory Group and to seeing this important site continue to thrive as a place of opportunity, learning and community benefit for generations to come.”
As the future owner and steward of the campus, SETU will play a central role in driving the development of a long-term vision for the site, alongside the county Council and ETB, aligned with strategic ambitions for the region and its commitment to expanding educational opportunity across the South East following completion of the teach-out period by Carlow College in August 2028. The Minster providing funding to support the transition process and safeguarding the long-term educational purpose of the campus.
In welcoming the development, President of South East Technological University, Dr Veronica Campbell said:
“I thank the Minister for establishing the Advisory Group to consider the future uses of the Carlow College campus and very much look forward to contributing to the work of the group on behalf of SETU.”
The Group’s work will support the development of a future masterplan for the campus, helping to ensure that this significant educational asset continues to thrive as a centre of learning, engagement and regional development into the future.
