Prisoners in Portlaoise take part in pilot higher education programme

The programme in Portlaoise is the first of its kind in the Irish prison system

Published 16th Jun 2026, 18:25 BST L-R: Dr Gina Noonan, Head of Centre for Academic Practice, Nicola McEntee, Project Coordinator, Rosemary Flynn, Director of Lifelong Learning, Jerry Dixon, Lecturer, David Denieffe, Chief Operations Officer, Dr Sarah Sartori, Higher Education Strategic Project Lead and Sanctuary Chair, and John Balfe, Lecturer, pictured with LOETB's Tony Dalton, Director of Further Education and Training, Eileen Dunne, Further Education and Training Inclusion Manager, and David Higgins, Supervising Teacher at the Education Unit of Portlaoise Prison and LOETB. The programme in Portlaoise is the first of its kind in the Irish prison system Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.

An awards ceremony took place at the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise to mark the first ever higher education programme for prisoners which has been described as a “significant milestone.”

South East Technological University (SETU) delivered the first The programme in Portlaoise is the first of its kind in the Irish prison systemin-person higher education tertiary programme in an Irish prison setting at the Midlands Prison.

The pioneering programme was celebrated at a Presentation of Awards ceremony at the prison in Portlaoise to mark the academic success of its participating learners.

The programme has been facilitated through Systems Performance Funding which was awarded by the Higher Education Authority. It was delivered in partnership with the Irish Prison Service (IPS) and Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB).

This programme enables individuals in custody to complete accredited university modules on site as part of SETU’s Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Community Development, a model that represents a first of its kind in the Irish prison system.

Through the initiative, learners engaged in key elements of higher education such as lectures, group learning, discussion and debate.

READ NEXT: Free mattress amnesty announced for Laois households

Commenting on the implementation of the programme in Portlaoise, Chief Operation Officer at SETU, David Denieffe, said: “This initiative demonstrates the transformative power of education and SETU’s commitment to widening access to those who have been traditionally excluded from higher education.

“Delivering an in-person university experience within a prison setting is a landmark achievement, not just for SETU, but for the Irish higher education system, and it reflects what can be achieved through strong partnership and a shared commitment to inclusion."

Building on the highly successful pilot initiative by SETU and the IPS, entitled 'A Footbridge to the Pathway', that began in February 2024, the partnership has resulted in 29 participants engaging in the programme. These students have completed a total of 74 QQI level 6 modules.

As of now, four students have fulfilled the requirements for the first year, or 60 credits, of SETU’s degree in Community Development and Leadership, with more learners expected to complete it over the coming year.

The Presentation of Awards ceremony marked an important milestone for learners as well as for the programme, with the pilot phase of the initiative now concluded.

However, it is planned to expand the programme to more learners in the future.

Read More Laois schools making strides in STEM honoured with national awards Gardaí renew appeal over Portarlington assault as man remains in critical condition in hospital Funding announced for new road in Portlaoise to 'open up' land for hundreds more homes Laois head of Ireland's haulier group calls for fuel supports to be extended As a token of appreciation for the collaborative work undertaken, SETU staff were presented with a stone plaque crafted by teacher, Nettie Emerson, and her students from the Midlands Prison.

Speaking about the success of the programme, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, Caron McCaffrey, said: “I am proud to support this pioneering initiative, which demonstrates the real impact that meaningful partnership can have in the lives of people in custody.

“Education plays a vital role in rehabilitation, helping individuals build confidence, develop new skills, and prepare for a safer return to their communities. I commend the learners on their achievements and acknowledge the dedication of SETU and LOETB staff who have worked with us to make this first in‑person university programme in an Irish prison a reality.”

Also commenting on the initiative, Supervising Teacher at the Education Unit of the Midlands Prison, David Higgins, said: “This programme has been hugely successful for the benefit of our learners, they have worked hard to achieve their certificates today. It has been hugely impactful for our students, and it has been a pleasure to support them along the way.”

Related topics: Portlaoise Laois Education Sign up to our Laois Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Laois Live within your account.