Funding for Mountbellew Agricultural College secured until 2012 – Treacy

Funding for Mountbellew Agricultural College has been secured until 2012 at least, according to Galway East Fianna Fáil Dáil Deputy Noel Treacy TD.

Deputy Treacy has been in discussions with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Brendan Smith TD and Teagasc regarding the future of the Mountbellew College for the past number of months, following the introduction of saving measures at Teagasc.

It has now been confirmed to Deputy Treacy, that Teagasc has committed to funding the three remaining agricultural colleges, for at least the next two years.

“The Director of Teagasc Professor Gerry Boyle has confirmed to me, that funding for the Mountbellew Agricultural College is secure until at least 2012,” said Deputy Treacy.

“A meeting of the Teagasc Authority was held on December 15 to consider the revised Teagasc Change Management Programme, in the context of the budgetary allocation to the authority.”

“While it will be necessary to secure savings at the College, the demand for agricultural education is clear and I am delighted that it was decided to secure the future of the Mountbellew and the other colleges, for at least the next two years.”

“The College plays a central role in Mountbellew, County Galway and the western region. It has considerable historical significance in the west and it is a big employer. I hope that students will continue to be educated in the field of agriculture and food related sectors in Mountbellew for years to come,” concluded Noel Treacy TD.