South East technological university consultation underway – Deering

Fine Gael TD for Carlow/Kilkenny, Pat Deering, has today (Tuesday), welcomed the establishment of a new process which will reinvigorate the technological university of the South East project, announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD.

“The announcement today that the Minister for Education and Skills has appointed Michael Kelly to lead a process of consultation with Waterford IT and Carlow IT to create a shared vision for a technological university in the South East is very good news, and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to this venture, as outlined in the programme for Government. This is a project I have been pursing for some time and I am pleased that progress is being made.

“Michael Kelly has vast experience in this area and I am confident that he will be very successful in consulting with the governing bodies, staff and students of both institutes of technology to come up with an excellent proposal.

“The South East very much needs this initiative. Creating a technology university for the region will secure long term employment; it will ensure the creation of high quality graduates in key sectors who are in high demand.

“Mr. Kelly will be asked to report on the best structure to implement the project and the potential timescale. I hope that this project gets off the ground as soon as possible and that the South East technological university can join those already in development in Dublin and Munster.

“This project presents huge potential for the South East directly and indirectly. I fully support Mr Kelly in his work and intend to continue making representations to my Government colleagues to ensure we do all that we can to support the South East technological university.”