by Ireland’s newest technological university has got final approval and designation from the Government and will operate on a number of educational sites between the Midlands and the Mid-West.
The announcement follows months of preparatory work by staff and management at Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology.
Thousands of students graduating in the autumn will be the first to receive university status recognition on their academic results.
In a statement, Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris said the new TU, which is the third since 2019, will increase higher education access and opportunities for students.
Minister @SimonHarrisTDhas today granted technological university status to @AthloneIT and @LimerickITAs Ireland’s 3rd TU, it is situated in the heart of the midlands and mid-west. More here:https://t.co/mgniVCrHqxpic.twitter.com/dY5vsXC97I
— Department of Further and Higher Education (@DeptofFHed) May 5, 2021
Athlone Institute of Technology President Professor Ciarán Ó Catháin described the new university as an “educational powerhouse” which will provide “unprecedented levels of access to higher education”.
He said that today “marks the start of an exciting future for all” as the new TU will “drive future development and technological innovation across Ireland and on an international stage”.
Limerick Institute of Technology President Professor Vincent Cunnane said it is a “red letter day for the Midlands and Mid-West”.
He said receiving TU designation is a huge achievement and the new university promises bot be one “with a strengthened regional focus and a national and international outlook, that will benefit our staff, our students and the communities we serve.”
