A new €4m education building was officially opened in Co Kilkenny yesterday.

The facility at Kildalton College, in Piltown was described as "a significant step in the development of agricultural education in Ireland".

Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith said the unveiling of the building "is a clear demonstration of Teagasc's leading role as an education provider to the agriculture and food sector".

Built at a cost of over €4m, the new education building incorporates a lecture theatre, classrooms, laboratories, library and a range of student recreation facilities.

-- Advertisement --

Kildalton College has been operating since 1971 and has a long tradition in providing agriculture and horticulture education programmes to the farming community.

Over 600 students now attend further education and higher-level education programmes at the College.

Minister Smith congratulated Teagasc on the "significant achievement" in building the new state of the art education facility.

Acknowledging the significant increase in agriculture college enrolments in recent years, the Minister went on to say that in a rapidly changing environment, farm management skills and knowledge can improve the performance of individuals and the industry as a whole.

(PR/BMcC)