The Institutes of Technology in Carlow and Waterford are pushing forward with plans to create a South East University, announcing their intention to submit a detailed business plan for a Technological University to the Higher Education Authority next year.
Mr Colin Browne, former graduate of both institutes and Senior Director of Microsoft Ireland, has been appointed chair of the Project Implementation Board. The Board, which consists of the two Chairpersons and presidents of both Institutes and a range of external experts, will develop the business plan and work out practical details. The plan will outline the approach to attaining university status and this will be overseen by a joint technological office which will also deal with the merging of the two institutes.
“I look forward to working with the Board to create an enduring and important asset for the South East,” Mr Browne said. His appointment has been welcomed by Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government Mr Phil Hogan T.D., who stated that: “The establishment of a Technological University in the south east is critical for the economic development of the region.”
Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Mr Brendan Howlin T.D. also announced his support for the move.
Establishing a Technological University in the south-east region is one of the government’s key projects aimed at providing infrastructure and developing the economy.
The planned university will have campuses in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford and Kilkenny, and will employ over 1,300 staff, with an estimated worth of €250 million to the local economy. It will also house up to 100 new enterprise, will include over 15,000 students and will cater to all disciplines including business, engineering, science and the humanities, while its research will focus on economic activities such as information technology, engineering, tourism and the sciences.
