Progress update on Home Economics course at Thurles college

The Minister for Further Education and Skills visited Thurles on Thursday, at the joint invitation of local Deputy Jackie Cahill and the management of Mary Immaculate College, Thurles. The minister met with senior Mary Immaculate College management, members of Tipperary ETB, and Deputy Jackie Cahill to discuss the progress being made in the delivery of a Home Economics teacher training course for the college.

Deputy Cahill has been working with the Head of Campus in Thurles, Dr Finn Ó Mhurchú, the President of Mary Immaculate College, Prof Eugene Wall and colleagues in Government for a number of years to progress the delivery of this course for the region.

Speaking, following this positive and engaging meeting, Deputy Cahill said: “I'm delighted that Minister Niall Collins accepted my invitation to visit the Mary Immaculate campus in St Patrick's College here in Thurles.

“During this promising meeting, the minister heard from Dr Finn Ó Mhurchú about their detailed plans to commence a Home Economics course here in September 2023. We've been working on this for a number of years, and I’m delighted to see that the plans look like they're finally coming to fruition."

Minister Niall Collins said: “I want to thank my colleague Jackie Cahill for inviting me here to St Patrick's in Thurles today. We've had a really informative and engaging meeting with the management here, and some of the development plans and ambitions they've laid out are really, really positive

"They have the support of Jackie and of all our colleagues. I'm committed to helping Jackie and helping St Patrick's here in Thurles to realise its full potential.”

Deputy Cahill added: “Education in Thurles is booming. We've the two university campuses here now in the town. And the Home Economics course, when it starts in September 2023, will be a huge addition to the already growing academic reputation of Thurles.”