End of an era for Carlow College

Carlow College, St Patrick’s is to phase out its academic programmes over the next two years.

The college says current students will be supported through to graduation, but no new students will be accepted from 2026.

The move follows a review process and an agreement with South East Technological University, which will eventually take over the college’s land and buildings.

Over the next two years there will be a phased redundancy process for the 87 staff currently employed by Carlow College.

Speaking of the announcement, President of Carlow College, St Patrick’s, Fr Conn Ó Maoldhomhnaigh said: “Since its foundation in 1782, Carlow College has been part of the higher education story in the South East. Its next chapter reflects a continuation of its longstanding contribution to education in the region, while supporting the ongoing educational future of the campus. This decision by the College’s Governing Body and Property Trustees was made with due regard to the best interests of our students and staff, and in recognition of the College’s long and distinguished contribution to liberal arts education”.

“Our priority now is to ensure a carefully planned and supported completion of all academic programmes over the next two years, so that every student currently enrolled at Carlow College can complete their studies with confidence and integrity. We are deeply committed to supporting our staff throughout this transition and to working with them in a transparent and respectful way. Carlow College’s mission has always centred on people and community, and that commitment will guide us in the months and years ahead”. Fr Conn continued “Over many decades the people of Carlow town and surrounding areas have been deeply supportive of, and have pride in the College, and this is something that is greatly appreciated. We know that we will have their continued support as we enter into this new phase”.

SETU has issued a statement to KCLR News it reads: “Carlow College, St Patrick’s today confirmed the commencement of an agreed framework to provide for a defined, time-limited programme-completion and institutional transition period of two years.”

“This framework is the result of extensive and detailed engagement between SETU and Carlow College, which has been facilitated by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research Innovation and Science. It is centred on the protection of currently enrolled students by enabling the managed and orderly completion of all academic programmes for enrolled students currently underway at Carlow College.”

“SETU acknowledges the significant heritage and contribution of Carlow College to higher education and confirms its support for the agreed framework. The arrangements are designed to ensure that current students can complete their studies in a stable, supported, and academically sound manner. In line with these arrangements, the framework also commits to the transfer of the land and buildings of Carlow College to SETU as part of the overall transition.”

“Carlow College will remain the academic provider and employer for the duration of the programme completion period. Responsibility for academic delivery, staffing and student supports will continue to rest with Carlow College, in line with the agreed arrangements.”