The Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris, has announced a technological university is to be established in the southeast in the 2021/2022 academic year.
An application was made jointly in April this year on behalf of the Institute of Technology Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology (known as the TUSEI consortium) under the Technological Universities Act 2018.
It is expected that the new university, which will follow the merger of Waterford IT and IT Carlow and has been the subject of campaigning for many years, will come into being by 1 May 2022.
Minister Harris described it as "a really exciting day for higher education in the southeast region".
He said: "After years of debate, the establishment of this new technological university will become a reality next year, and the southeast can look forward to it increasing higher education access, driving enhanced regional development and increasing opportunities for students, staff, business and enterprise, and local communities across Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford."
He said they will continue to invest in the new university with new campuses in Wexford and Waterford.
Today I announce the Technological University for the South East. Exciting day for the South East & for Ireland. It will open its doors in 2022 after decades of debate. Thank you to all who got us to this point. You should be very proud. I will work closely with you on next steps
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 2, 2021
The minister's department will soon be inviting expressions of interest for the roles of chairperson and two external members of what should become the first governing body of the new TU.
The President of IT Carlow said the new university will have foundations developed over five decades.
"We look forward to the new national and international opportunities that lie ahead for us as a unitary multi-campus university," Dr Patricia Mulcahy said.
"With this exciting step forward, we will be better positioned to leverage these opportunities for the benefit of the people and regions we serve; to meet the challenges that we face as a region and country; to drive social and economic transformation; and ultimately to deliver on the ambitious expectations of our stakeholders."
President of Waterford IT, Professor Willie Donnelly, said it is "a hugely significant day" for staff and students in Carlow and Waterford, as well as future generations who will be "empowered" by a university degree.
"Our new status will help positively transform the southeast, making it even more attractive to indigenous SMEs and foreign direct investment by linking knowledge, research, education, innovation, and international collaboration," he said.
Chair of WIT's Governing Body, Jim Moore, said the university "will inspire and serve its students, staff and the region with dedication and distinction, future-proofing higher education across the southeast through learning, research and engagement".
John Moore, Chair of the IT Carlow Governing Body, congratulated all involved in making the new university happen.
"We look forward to supporting our new singular governing body, president and executive as they play a pivotal role in creating a future of boundless potential for the southeast."
Higher Education Authority Chief Executive Dr Alan Wall said he greatly welcomed the progress made by the Institute of Technology Carlow and Waterford Institute of Technology towards technological university status.
"We look forward to working with both institutions towards their designation as Technological University in 2022."
