Establishment of a Technological University for the South-East moves step closer

Establishment of a Technological University for the South-East viable and can be delivered within a reasonable timescale. Plan for facilitation to be developed for consideration by both Governing Bodies at end August.

Minister O’Sullivan today published the report on the consultation and engagement process and expressed her gratitude to Mr. Michael Kelly for undertaking such an extensive engagement with stakeholders: "Mr. Kelly has undertaken a very thorough and extensive consultation process with regional stakeholders and I want to put on record my thanks to him for engaging so comprehensively on this issue and for his considered analysis of the situation which is set out in the report."

Mr Kelly has met with stakeholders in all of the counties of the region as part of the consultation process and this includes governing bodies, presidents’, staff and students of the two institutes, Local Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, Employers, the Enterprise Development Agencies, Social and Community Groups as well as public representatives.

The Minister highlighted that "The report presents a compelling rationale for a new type of higher education institution to support a "step-change" in the economic and social development of the entire South-East region. This is clearly the overwhelming wish of stakeholders in the region."

Acknowledging the difficulties encountered during the TU South-East project in the past, the Minister stated that "There are lessons to be learnt for all of us from the analysis set out in Michael Kelly’s report. We should all reflect on what needs to be done differently in future."

Mr. Kelly has recommended a number of steps and structures to support the project.

"Our strong focus now has to be on what’s best for the South-East region. We have to focus on the future and the real prize which will be the creation of an entirely new type of higher education institution. This is an exciting opportunity and it needs to be nurtured and developed with strong engagement and collaboration with all stakeholders."

The Minister met with the Chairs and Presidents of both institutes on Tuesday 21st July to discuss the findings and recommendations in the report. It was agreed with the Chairs and Presidents that a project plan for a process of facilitation would be developed by mid-August for consideration at Governing Body meetings planned for end-August. The facilitation process is the first step recommended by Mr. Kelly.

The Minister commended the leadership of both institutions: "The leadership of both institutions have put forward an ambitious vision for a new type of institution and that’s what we need to build on and take forward."

Commenting on the publication of the report, President of ITC, Dr. Patricia Mulcahy said: "I want to thank the Minister for her continued support and for commissioning this process. I welcome the publication of Michael’s report and thank him for undertaking such an extensive consultation process. I look forward to moving forward on this project in the best interests of all stakeholders in the South-East."

Professor Willie Donnelly, President of WIT added: "The establishment of a Technological University for the South-East is necessary for the optimum social and economic development of the region. Michael Kelly's positive view that its creation is feasible and that this can be achieved within a reasonable time-frame is welcome. WIT continues to be fully committed to the delivery of a Technological University for the region."

The other recommendations made by Mr. Kelly will be considered by the Minister, the Department of Education and Skills, the Higher Education Authority and relevant institutes in the coming months.

To read the full report click the following link: Engagement and Consultation Process on a Technological University for the South-East.