Carlow College to phase out operations over next two years

Sarah Slater

The country’s second-oldest university-level institution, based in Carlow, is to close.

Carlow College, St Patrick’s, is to phase its closure over a two-year period as South East Technological University (SETU) is to take control of the campus.

All current students, of which there are more than 600, will have completed courses by 2028.

The college offers undergraduate, postgraduate and part-time courses in arts and the humanities.

Almost 90 staff at the college, which is based on a campus of 17 acres, are to be made redundant.

The College was founded in 1782 and first admitted students in 1793. It is described by the college as Ireland’s second-oldest university

Its history includes education for both lay students and those preparing for the priesthood. For generations, it was part of Carlow’s educational, religious, cultural and civic identity.

College management has confirmed that an agreement has been reached with SETU and the move is being backed by Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless.

In a statement, the College said that it is “committed” to engaging openly and respectfully with staff and union representatives over job losses.

Fr Conn Ó Maoldhomhnaigh, President of Carlow College, St Patrick’s, said the merger process “reflects the continuation of its longstanding contribution to education” in the region.

Fr Ó Maoldhomhnaigh highlighted that the College’s “priority” is to ensure a “carefully planned completion” of all academic programmes over the next two years, so that “every student” currently enrolled can complete their studies while also supporting affected staff.