Carlow College campus set to become part of SETU in landmark merger
IRELAND’s second oldest higher education institution, Carlow College, St Patrick’s, is set to close over the next two years and its 87 staff members are to become redundant as South East Technological University (SETU), takes over its historic campus.
Carlow College confirmed that it is has reached agreement with SETU that will eventually see the buildings and land absorbed into the expanding university. The move has been backed by Minister for Higher Education, James Lawless, whose department helped broker the deal.
Under the arrangement, Carlow College will spend the next two years winding down its own operations while all current students complete their courses. Once that process is complete, the college’s campus – which comprises 17 acres in the heart of Carlow town – will pass into SETU’s hands, adding to the university’s growing footprint in the region.
For students already studying at Carlow College, the college stressed that nothing will change in the short term and all enrolled students will finish their degrees as planned. Students who have applied for courses in the college next year through the CAO have been contacted and are currently being directed to similar courses at other institutions in the region, with the CAO change of mind portal open until 1 July.
The 87 members of staff currently employed by the college will face redundancy over the two-year period, with a formal process now underway. The statement said that “Carlow College is committed to engaging openly and respectfully with staff and union representatives. Comprehensive supports will be available including access to wellbeing supports.” The college, which has over 600 students, offers undergraduate, postgraduate and part time courses in arts and the humanities.
Minister Lawless described the campus transfer as “an important step in supporting the continued development of higher education in the South East,” and said the site would continue to serve students and the wider community long into the future.
President of Carlow College, St Patrick’s, Fr Conn Ó Maoldhomhnaigh said the merger process “reflects the continuation of its longstanding contribution to education in the region, while supporting the ongoing educational future of the campus.”
Fr Conn added: “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.”
In its statement, the college expressed its gratitude to Minister Lawless and his department officials, SETU, and to Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor who has “supported the college over many years.”
