Fear raised that Teagasc will close Pallaskenry agricultural college

CONCERN was raised in the Dáil this week about the future of Pallaskenry Salesian Agricultural College in Co Limerick, which was established in 1919.

Limerick West TD John Cregan said Teagasc was recommending the number of agricultural colleges be reduced from six to two, leaving one each in Kilkenny and Cavan.

As well as having excellent education and training facilities, Pallaskenry attracts young farmers from across Munster and beyond.

It is located within driving distance of young farmers who can get home to south Galway, Clare, north Cork and north Tipperary within one and a half hours, he said.

As well as furthering their education, many of the students are committed to working on their family farms.

“It is important that we maintain the presence of a college in Pallaskenry in the heart of the Golden Vale where one third of this country’s milk is produced,” he said.

Mr Cregan said he admires the work of Teagasc, and its officials, particularly in his own county. It has a job to do and in the current economic climate its budget has been reduced by €10 million.

While he accepted this fact, he said there is room for compromise and the retention of a third college, which should be Pallaskenry.

“It has operated for many years and played a considerable role in the education of thousands of young farmers, both boarders and those who attended on a day to day basis.

“It has stood the farming community throughout Co Limerick and adjoining counties well,” he said.

Minister of State Tony Killeen said Teagasc delivers its education and training programme through a network of eight colleges, 80 local centres and an e-college.

It is entirely a matter for Teagasc and its board to prioritise its activities and to allocate its resources accordingly.

In this regard, a review of college infrastructure by an outside consultancy body was finalised last year.

Arising from this review, Teagasc will be making decisions on priorities in terms of future capital expenditure, he said.

Mr Killeen said while this year’s €135m allocation to Teagasc is inevitably somewhat less than the previous two years, due to the necessary curtailment of public finances, it is nevertheless a substantial amount.

It is also an indication of the Government’s continuing commitment to supporting the agrifood sector and recognition of the important role of Teagasc in that regard, he said.