Salesian Agricultural College, specialising in training students in agricultural practices, (Friday, 25th March 2022) opened its new hi-tech dairy facility on the grounds of their farm in Pallaskenry, Co. Limerick on Friday, 25th March. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue officiated the ceremony where a 50 unit Dairymaster Swiftflo rotary milking parlour was unveiled.
The Minister was accompanied by representatives of the Salesians, the Board of the College, Principal Derek O’Donoghue, Teagasc and Dairymaster. Addressing the crowd, Minister McConalogue comments: “The completion of this new facility represents significant investment for the benefit of the future of farming in Ireland.
“It is great to see an Irish brand such as Dairymaster playing a key role in the dairy tech space and the education of future generations. I’m delighted to be invited here today to see the new facility and all the work that is being done on the ground.”
The Minister also paid tribute to all those involved in delivering this facility during recent difficult and challenging times.
Pallaskenry is steeped in history and has a young, energetic, knowledgeable team with a proud record of students who have gone on to lead and operate some of most modern farms in Ireland.
“The opening of the new facility is part of the growth strategy planned for the college. Numbers are growing year on year and with more attractive facilities the plan is that this trend will continue to increase. The founding tradition of the college is in providing educational training based on real needs and employment opportunities, the economy will once again be calling on the need for food and agricultural education is thankfully in high demand,” said Derek O’Donoghue, Principal of Salesian Agricultural College.
The facility will attract visitors both nationally and internationally to experience a world class education and training facility, always demonstrating the best Ireland has to offer when it comes to Irish agriculture.
John Harty, CEO Dairymaster comments: “We were thrilled that the Salesians and the Board chose Dairymaster as the parlour of choice for their investment. This is an exciting time for students, with access to state-of-the-art facilities to help shape their future to become next generation leaders in agriculture, education, technology and more.”
This is a new and exciting chapter for all members of the Salesian Agricultural College, who have been training farmers for over 100 years. If you are the next generation dairy farm enthusiast, be sure to check out www.salesianag.ie
