Protest to Keep Carlow College

A protest has been called for Sunday July 12th at 1pm in support of the staff and students of Carlow College. The protest will meet at the gates of Carlow College and walk to the Fountain where there will be music and speeches. It takes place ahead of the Dáil’s Joint Committee on Further and Higher Education on July 15th where staff reps will be able to scrutinise and question the closure. 

Diarmuid Commins, a student of Carlow College said “We are still reeling from the shocking news that the college will close completely in two years time. The upcoming committee is a chance to get answers and call for better supports, we are asking for a show of strength in Carlow to support these demands”.

He added “ It has become clear that staff and students were overlooked in this process. This protest is about ensuring these voices are heard. Staff should have enhanced redundancy packages or the option of redeployment and students need assurances that their education will not be impacted in the interim. Mr. Commins concluded “We are asking the wider community to once again come out and support us ahead of this important committee meeting.”

Cllr Adrienne Wallace added “Carlow College is a valued institution and has played a vital role locally. Throughout this process there has been a serious lack of accountability.When the announcement was made, Ministers described it as positive news and publicly highlighted the Department's extensive involvement in achieving this outcome.”

She continued “Yet when asked who is responsible for protecting jobs, suddenly nobody appears to have responsibility and we are told Carlow College is an autonomous private institution. Both positions cannot both be true.”

“Ultimately, the Government has the authority to shape the future of the institution. We need to show them how much Carlow College means to the community so I hope people will rally on Sunday.”