The new 3.2 million Euro Strategic Development Plan announced recently for Mountbellew Agricultural College is welcome and a timely boost to the college which has been carrying out excellent work in the education of farmers for many years. There are over 900 students enrolled in the college and the new plan will focus on four key areas namely excellence in agricultural education, smart agriculture, experimental education programmes and outreach and community development which are exciting developments.
It is also hoped that the plan will lead to the development of new degree counses in agriculture, horticulture and forestry and the money will be spent on the upgrade of the college facilities and farms and on improved technology at the college as well. This is very welcome news for Mountbellew and I will be working hard to ensure that this plan is put in place as quickly as possible.