EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr. Phil Hogan, visited the IT Tralee on Friday 5th of April to give a guest lecture on “Agri-Tech/Research and Innovation in new CAP post 2020” and take part in a panel discussion with Sean Kelly MEP and faculty members of the School of STEM at IT Tralee. The Commissioner also took a tour of the Institute’s Agricultural Engineering & Science Facilities.

Mr. Hogan also viewed plans of the new 27.8million IT Tralee Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) building which was announced by the Department of Education & Skills PPP programme in 2017. A planning application for this development is expected to be lodged to Kerry County Council within the month. This facility is expected to open for staff and students in September 2022.

Addressing staff and students Commissioner Phil Hogan recognised the Institutes ambitious plans and its growth since 1977. “The Institute of Technology, Tralee plays a vital role in higher education ensuring that industry in the region has access to highly qualified, work ready graduates. The development of the new STEM building which will cater for 1000 students will provide a vital piece of education & research infrastructure for the region. Rural sustainability is a  core mission of the EU Commission and with the creation of the Munster Technological University. I believe Kerry and indeed the greater region can look forward to a continued trajectory of growth into the future. ”

In welcoming the Minister to the Institute, President of IT Tralee, Dr Oliver Murphy said “I’d like to express my thanks to the Commissioner for taking the time to visit us today. The Institute is dedicated to meeting the skills needs of employers in the region. The future is bright for Kerry and our suite of programmes in the school of STEM including Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Science, Agricultural Mechanisation and Veterinary Bioscience are providing quality graduates to ensure the economic success of the region. We look forward to the next step in the story of IT Tralee which is the creation of Munster Technological University.”