Minister gives green light to new college in Kilkenny during visit

Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) welcomed Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, to Kilkenny on Wednesday as he visited a number of key KCETB sites.

Arriving at KCETB Training Services, Purcellsinch Campus, Minister Lawless was met by Dr Lindsay Malone, Chief Executive, and Martha Bolger, Director of Further Education and Training.

Following a meeting that focused on strategic priorities for KCETB, the Minister toured the facilities at the Purcellsinch Campus before visiting the KCETB College of the Future site Joinersfolly.

While touring Purcellsinch, the Minister observed apprentices undertaking Phase 2 Electrical Training and met a range of staff supporting apprenticeship, skills training and skills to advance.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Lawless said: “I am delighted to be here in Kilkenny today to see, first hand, all the great work being done by KCETB across further education, training and apprenticeships.”

“I had the opportunity to meet with the leadership team of KCETB to discuss their plans for the new FET College in Kilkenny City. I also visited the proposed site for the college and saw firsthand the potential this development holds for the wider community.”

“At the meeting, I confirmed that I have instructed my department officials and relevant agencies to prioritise work on these projects, with a view to ensuring that design teams are appointed in 2026 for those ETBs that are ready to proceed,” he added.

Before the official visit ended, Minister Lawless met with learners, staff and management at Kilkenny Youthreach offices. There, the learners engaged in discussion around the services they attend and the value they bring.

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During the visit to Kilkenny Youthreach, the Minister was presented with a textile piece of felt and embroidery created by Nancy Brophy, a Year 1 Leaving Certificate Applied Learner.

Chief Executive Dr Lindsay Malone welcomed the visit saying: “We were delighted to welcome Minister Lawless to Kilkenny today and to highlight the strategic direction KCETB is taking to future-proof skills and talent across the South-East.”

“The development of the Kilkenny College of the Future is central to this ambition. It will serve as a regional anchor for innovation, advanced skills and smart specialisation. This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in regional competitiveness, resilience and long-term prosperity.”

“KCETB is committed to building a modern, agile and future-ready FET system, and today’s visit reflects the strong partnership between KCETB and the Department as we work together to deliver transformative impact for learners, communities and employers,” she concluded.

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