UCC’s outdoor education to expand over the border
UCC is spreading its wings and has flown over the county bounds to nestle itself in a part of Kerry.
The university has signed an agreement with Kerry Education and Training Board (KETB) that will see both institutions working together to enhance opportunities for and engagement in outdoor education and training at Cappanalea, the National Centre for Outdoor Education and Training (NCOET), which is based in Killorglin.
The centre, with accommodation for 50 people is located on 57 acres on the side of Caragh Lake, with access to 120 more acres of wilderness and the wider beautiful countryside around the centre, including the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Killarney National Park.
Prof John O’Halloran, Deputy President and Registrar, UCC, said: “UCC has one of the highest rates of student participation in sports clubs among Irish universities. This agreement is a natural extension, combining our passion for activity and our sporting knowledge with Cappanlea.
“We wish to thank Minister Griffin and Kerry ETB for their work on this agreement, for we believe this is will be a superb partnership for our students, the community and the local economy.”
Thanking the Minister for State Brendan Griffin and the other visitors, for taking the time to attend in Cappanalea, CEO of Kerry ETB, Colm McEvoy, said: “Kerry ETB is very proud of what has been achieved in Cappanalea over the years and I would like to pay tribute to Donal Dowd, his team and the Board of Management for developing the centre into what it is today.
“With the engagement of UCC, through the agreement signed today, Cappanalea, The National Centre for Outdoor Education and Training (NCOET) enters a new and exciting chapter in its development. We have high expectations for the centre and I am delighted that UCC has agreed to work with us on this. We believe that this National Centre will become an international exemplar of what is possible in outdoor education and training.”
Speaking at the recent signing of the agreement, Brendan Griffin, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, complimented both KETB and UCC on their collaboration to promote outdoor education and training and enhancing outdoor education and training opportunities.
“This is a very important day, not only for the two educational institutions involved, Kerry ETB and UCC, but for everybody interested in the outdoors and the huge role that outdoor activities can play in education and, more generally, in society.”