Taoiseach Marks Centenary of Landmark Legislation that Helped Transform Irish Agriculture and Food Systems

24 Jun 2026

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD hosted a special commemorative event in Government Buildings to mark the centenary of the University Education (Agriculture and Dairy Science) Act 1926, legislation that established the Faculty of Agriculture at University College Dublin and the Faculty of Dairy Science at University College Cork.

The event brought together senior representatives from government, higher education, research organisations, industry and the wider agri-food sector to celebrate the contribution of both institutions to the development of Irish agriculture, food systems, scientific research and national economic growth over the past century.

The Act was enacted during the formative years of the Irish State and reflected a strategic commitment to investing in education, science and technical expertise to support Ireland’s most important indigenous industry. One hundred years later, Ireland’s agri-food sector exports almost €21 billion annually and is recognised internationally for its quality, sustainability, innovation and scientific excellence.

The event was held in Government Buildings, originally constructed to house the Royal College of Science for Ireland and the home of the Faculty of Agriculture in UCD when it transferred in 1926, providing a symbolic link between the ambitions of the early Irish State and the challenges and opportunities facing modern Ireland.

Over the past century, graduates, researchers and staff from UCD and UCC have played leading roles in agricultural education, scientific research, food innovation, public policy, environmental sustainability and the development of Ireland’s globally successful agri-food industry.

Today, both institutions continue to contribute to addressing some of the most significant challenges facing society, including climate change, biodiversity protection, food security, nutrition, sustainability and rural development.

Speaking at the event, Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD said:

“One hundred years ago, the Irish State recognised that education, scientific research and technical expertise would be essential to the future success of Irish agriculture and food production. The University Education (Agriculture and Dairy Science) Act 1926 was a visionary investment in knowledge and innovation. The graduates, researchers and leaders who emerged from UCD and UCC over the century that followed helped

transform Ireland from a largely agricultural economy into a global leader in food production, research and sustainability. As we celebrate this remarkable legacy, we can also look forward with confidence to the next century of discovery, innovation and leadership.”

Professor Orla Feely, President of University College Dublin, said:

“The establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture within UCD in 1926 represented a profound vote of confidence in the power of higher education and scientific research to support national development. For one hundred years, UCD Faculty of Agriculture, now the UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science, has educated generations of graduates who have shaped farming, food production, public policy, business, sustainability and scientific research in Ireland and internationally. We are proud of this legacy and remain committed to advancing the knowledge, innovation and talent required to build sustainable food systems for the future.”

Professor John O’Halloran, President of UCC, said:

“This is a proud milestone for University College Cork, marking a century of excellence in research and education for the agri-food sector. The sector has been shaped by our graduates, who continue to drive change across Ireland and globally. As we celebrate our past, we are also focused on the future, equipping the next generation with the skills, knowledge and ambition to lead a more sustainable and innovative agri-food industry in the years ahead.”

The event also recognised the enduring contribution of both institutions to the scientific modernisation of Irish agriculture and the development of a globally competitive agri-food sector. Through education, research and innovation, UCD and UCC have helped build the expertise, leadership and scientific capability that underpin Ireland’s international reputation in agriculture, dairy science, food science and nutrition.

As Ireland faces new challenges relating to climate action, biodiversity, food security and sustainable production systems, both universities continue to play a vital role in developing the knowledge and solutions needed to support the future prosperity and sustainability of the agri-food sector.