A new teaching and learning facilities at the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture in the National Botanic Garden was officially opened recently, by the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes, T.D.
The developments at the College of Amenity Horticulture cost €2.5m and involved construction of new teaching facilities as well as renovation of an old building dating back to the 1700’s which now includes a dedicated landscape design teaching studio. At the opening, Minister Hayes praised the recent developments at the College which will see a doubling of its student capacity.
Chairman of Teagasc Dr Noel Cawley said: “The Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture at the National Botanic Gardens, and Kinsealy Research Centre Malahide provide the perfect setting for a horticultural course where the vast resources of this great national garden are placed at the disposal of students. Expert staff, the plant collections, an extensive library, the research work and the benefits of a massive renewal programme over the past decade all contribute to making the National Botanic Gardens a unique place to study horticulture.”
Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle said: “The courses that are offered in the college are geared at people who want to get involved in the business of horticulture. The college is currently offering level 5, 6, 7 and 8 programmes in horticulture. Simply stated level 5 is a one year Certificate, level 6 is a two year Advanced Certificate, level 7 is a three year ordinary Degree and level 8 is four year honours Degree. By combining classwork with practical skills training in the Botanic Gardens and external practical learning placements, students receive a balanced approach to the work of amenity horticulture while on the courses.”
Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens said: “Science and Education have been at the heart of the National Botanic Gardens’ mission from its very beginnings. It is wonderful to see this state of the art addition that puts us at the heart of Irish horticulture. We are proud of our connections with the horticultural college, not only for fostering the early careers of so many of our staff, but because it enables us to play our part in training future custodians of our national gardening heritage.”
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes, T.D., and Dr Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens, with Chairman of Teagasc Dr Noel Cawley and Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle, as they unveil a commemorative plaque at the opening of the New Teaching and Learning Facilities at the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture in the National Botanic Gardens.
Chairman of Teagasc Dr Noel Cawley with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Tom Hayes, T.D., ; Dr Matthew Jebb, Director of the National Botanic Gardens, and Teagasc Director Professor Gerry Boyle, at the opening of the New Teaching and Learning facilities at the Teagasc College of Amenity Horticulture in the National Botanic Gardens
