There must be clarity and protection provided to the staff and students of Carlow College who are facing uncertainty, according to the Social Democrats’ Patricia Stephenson and Jen Cummins.
Carlow Kilkenny-based Senator Patricia Stephenson said:
“The closure of Carlow College marks the end of an era for Carlow. The institution has shaped generations of students, thinkers, educators, and community leaders for more than two centuries. Its loss will be felt deeply across Carlow town and far beyond.
“This came as a slap in the face to the college community, who just weeks ago hosted Fianna Fáil centenary celebrations – two weeks after that, we heard that the college was effectively closing.
“There is growing distress amongst staff who are facing redundancy, with that process set to begin as soon as August. The transition, as it was framed as ‘positive’ news, simply does not reflect the reality of what is happening to the college community.
“Staff deserve transparency, engagement, dignity and meaningful supports throughout this process. They cannot simply be treated as an afterthought in a transition plan.
“What was initially understood by many to be a merger now appears to be something very different, and there are serious questions about how this process has been managed. Staff deserve to know when it became clear that a merger with SETU would not happen, what efforts were made to protect jobs, and when Carlow College was advised it was not going to transfer to SETU.
“Some administrative and support staff are earning little more than the minimum wage despite years of dedicated service; some workers fear that they may only receive statutory redundancy rather than the enhanced arrangements they believed would be made available.
“The impact on students has been equally devastating. Students in the process of accepting offers and planning their futures have seen opportunities suddenly disappear.
“When I raised this issue with the Minister, his response was vague, lacklustre and failed to put minds at ease. Carlow College staff and students deserve to be treated with dignity, fairness and respect when it comes to their future.”
Further and Higher Education spokesperson Jen Cummins TD said:
“The announcement of Carlow College’s closure represents a significant loss for further and higher education in the South East and raises serious questions about how this transition has been managed.
“While it is essential that students are supported to complete their studies and continue their educational journeys, there must also be a clear commitment to protecting the staff who have dedicated years of service to the institution.
“Those working in Carlow College deserve transparency regarding the decisions that led to this outcome, as well as meaningful engagement on their future employment prospects. I believe the Department, SETU and all parties involved have a responsibility to ensure that staff and students are treated fairly, kept fully informed, and supported throughout this process.
“The future of third-level education in Carlow must remain a priority, and clarity is now needed on how educational opportunities, community engagement and academic provision in the region will be safeguarded in the years ahead.”
June 11th, 2026