THE DEMAND for places in agricultural colleges has increased dramatically, with over 900 applicants looking for limited places in the system.
According to Teagasc, the agriculture and food development authority, applicants for the 2009/2010 courses have increased by 40 per cent this year.
The Kildalton centre in Co Kilkenny has received 250 applications for 105 places, and Ballyhaise centre in Co Cavan has received 150 applications for 100 places.
The Clonakilty college in Co Cork had 170 applications for 80 places, and Pallaskenry in Co Limerick had 146 applications.
There have been over 100 applicants for the colleges in Mountbellew and Gurteen, where an undetermined number of places will depend on the Government recruitment ban.
Teagasc has opened talks with the Government on the impact its recruitment ban will have on this year’s courses.
It will not be able to recruit new staff to cope with the additional demand, and will be unable to replace staff leaving its colleges.
There will, however, be a number of places available on a new degree course in dairy business at University College Dublin, which is scheduled to begin in September.
The course, developed by UCD with Teagasc and the industry, was formed too late for inclusion in the CAO application earlier this year.
Dr Dermot J Ruane of UCD has said students wishing to apply for the course could apply on the Change Of Mind form which has to be completed by Wednesday.
“It is an opportunity for those who want to take this new degree which will offer the most advanced skills in business and dairying,” he said.
He said the students would spend part of the time in New Zealand on work experience and at the Moorepark research centre in Fermoy, Co Cork, and at Kildalton College.