Ibec welcomes Technological University for the South-East

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has welcomed the designation of Technological University status to Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow.  

Commenting on the designation, Ibec South-East Regional President Andy Crowley, said: “Today’s designation of a Technological University is a significant milestone and follows a major collective regional effort led by our Institutes of Technology to deliver a University for the South-East.

“A Technological University in the region, will support the retention and attraction of students, investment, and drive sustainable and quality job creation. It will act as an anchor for innovation and high-tech skills development in the South-East and maximise the growth of business in the region through practical learning, applied research and strong industry engagement.   

“A university will also support more balanced regional growth, by enabling the South-East to realise its economic potential and achieve its growth ambition.   

“Both Institutes of Technology make a substantial contribution to the region’s economic and social development and have a strong track record of engagement with enterprise across the South-East. A Technological University presents a unique opportunity to build upon this and strengthen further how enterprise and our education partners collaborate on strategic issues that underpin regional development.   

“An entirely new institution, drawing on the strengths of both existing institutions, but also adding further capacity across the region will only be achieved with considerable investment. A targeted and sufficient capital investment programme in physical teaching and research infrastructure must now be delivered to bring it to scale and realise the potential of the new institution.”