SINN FÉIN HAS called for the planned closure of Carlow College to be paused until more information can be provided about the process surrounding the college’s future.

Staff learned in May that the 244-year-old college would close with the loss of 86 jobs.

This came as a shock as plans had previously been outlined that the college, which provides a variety of humanities and arts courses for 600 students, would be integrated with the South East Technological University (SETU).

The college will now close in 2028 to allow current students reach the end of their courses.

SETU will then take over its 17-acre campus, which is valued at approximately €6.1 million.

The handling of the closure has been criticised by local TDs and senators from Fianna Fáil, Social Democrats and People Before Profit, as well as trade union Siptu.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on higher education Donna McGettigan said the planned closure “must be postponed”, and that SETU and the department have questions to answer about the whole process.

McGettigan pointed to how a memo was brought to cabinet that the college believed contained a “positive response” to its integration with SETU.

At an Oireachtas committee meeting last week, the department disputed that the memo held a positive response.

SETU President Veronica Campbell told the committee a detailed report, carried out by Mazars consultancy firm, was conducted into the merger.

This report, completed earlier this year, had “some concerns in the analysis” according to Campbell.

However, the report has not been published or released to Carlow College staff representatives, despite calls to do so.

McGettigan said there are still unanswered questions over the controversy.

“What we see here in committee is that SETU is getting a 17-acre campus in Carlow College for free with buildings, while 86 staff and around 600 students lose out,” the Clare TD said.

“A pause is needed and the report from SETU needs to be brought to committee.”

SETU declined to comment when contacted, including on whether it will release the Mazars report.