Sinn Féin has urged a halt to the closure of Carlow College, a move that would result in the loss of 86 jobs.

A public demonstration has taken place at Carlow College, with staff and students rallying to secure the future of the institution.

Carlow College, an institution with over 240 years of history, has announced plans to phase out its operations. The winding down process is expected to take place over the next two years.

The planned integration of Carlow College into South East Technological University has been declared 'never realistic', leading to the institution's closure despite previous expectations from students and staff.

A public meeting will be held to support staff at Carlow College after the institution announced on May 19 that it will be winding down its operations over the next two years.

Campaigners are criticizing the closure of Carlow College as a 'smash and grab' operation, which will result in 87 staff redundancies and the withdrawal of its courses.

Carlow College, the second-oldest university-level institution in Ireland, is set to close after nearly 250 years, resulting in the redundancy of its 90 staff members.