Almost 200 Park College students were left in a state of disarray this week, as the private second level college announced its closure after 18 years.

In a shock announcement on Saturday, Principal Patricia Moloney confirmed that the school was to close with immediate effect, leaving current students scrambling to find an alternative for the coming school year.

A statement released by Ms Moloney has blamed the closure on "external factors" and said that the school was left with no choice but to close due to low enrolment levels.

"It is with great regret and sadness that I announce the closure of Park College.

"The college has been in operation since 1990 and throughout this period I have built strong friendships with students, their families and staff. At the moment, I am working closely with parents and students to arrange suitable placements and all students will be fully reimbursed.

"As always our main priority and concern is to work in the best interests of all students at this time," said Ms Moloney.

"The decision to close Park College was not made lightly, with a number of external factors leaving no other alternative. We have worked extremely hard to offer places for the coming year but have been unsuccessful in achieving the required number of enrolments. I would like to thank the parents, students and staff for their understanding at this difficult time for all involved," she added.

Up to 2,700 students have attended the well-known college since its inception in 1990, and many past pupils have been expressing their disappointment at the news. An online tribute page has also been set up on social networking site Facebook for past students to show their appreciation.

"As past pupils, both my brother and I are were very sad to hear about the closing of Park College.

"Not alone did the college ensure that I received a top standard education but also it was one of the best years of my life socially. I made a lot of friends in Park that I still remain friends to this day. I wish Patricia the best in her future endeavours. The college will be a loss to the Leaving Cert students of future years," said one local alumna.

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