30 November 2009
Minister Sargent was on hand to present FETAC certificates to graduates in Horticulture and Floristry at the Teagasc Rearch Centre , Kinsealy on Monday.
- Chris Heavey -Teagasc, Ann Connolly -tutor, Sarah Milner- Student of the Year and Minister Sargent
Lorcan O'Toole - Head of Station, Minister Sargent, Chris Heavey and Pat Suttle of Teagasc, Kinsealy
Speaking at the award ceremony he said,
”The whole amenity horticulture sector is a valuable part of the economy, and it is an area that has shown steady growth in recent years. Unfortunately the landscaping and nursery sectors which are very much linked to the construction sector have been hit hard in the current downturn, and this has been exacerbated by very poor weather. However, the expectations of the general public have been educated in the last number of years with regard to their surroundings. People now expect that their schools, hospitals, work places and roadways, their housing estates and towns and villages, as well as their public parks and open spaces, should be well planted and maintained.”
He went on to give further encouragement, saying “This demand from the public will, I am sure, in time lead to a recovery in the amenity sector overall. In addition householders have invested in their gardens and I have no doubt will continue to do so, thereby creating a need for your skills and expertise.”
The Minister presented FETAC Certificates in Horticulture Level 4 and Floristry Level 5 to graduates.
