The name of Ireland's newest technological university has been announced as TUS: Midlands Midwest.
The full title – Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest – was decided upon following research carried out with almost 3,500 students, staff, and regional stakeholders over several months.
TÚS, in Irish, denotes the beginning for the new university, while Midlands Midwest represents the main geographical regions, linked by the River Shannon.
Earlier, this month, Minister for Further and Higher Education confirmed that Limerick (LIT) and Athlone's
(AIT) Institutes of Technology will merge to become the third technological university to be created since 2019.
Mr Harris said the university would especially benefit the students and communities of Westmeath, Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and Offaly.
LIT President Professor Vincent Cunnane said the new name "represents a new beginning for our staff, our students, our communities, for the locations of our campuses and for the reinvention and reimagination of our region."
President of AIT Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin said, "This name marks the start of an exciting, bright future for the new university. TUS: Midlands Midwest speaks to our shared geography, heritage, and to the flow of knowledge and ideas that will bring TUS: Midlands Midwest to the cutting edge of higher education in Ireland and beyond.
The new university, which is set to open later this year, will comprise a student population of more than 14,000 and a staff complement of approximately 1,200 people across six campuses in Athlone, Limerick (2), Clonmel, Ennis and Thurles.
