THREE INSTITUTES of technology in Munster yesterday announced details of plans to create a new entity with technological university status.
Cork Institute of Technology, the Institute of Technology Tralee and Limerick Institute of Technology wish to form the Munster Technological University under proposals outlined in the Government’s National Strategy for Higher Education.
Institutes in Dublin, the south east, the Border, midlands and western regions have also recently indicated they will apply for technological university status later this year.
The Munster university would have campuses in Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Clare and Tipperary, and would form the largest higher educational institution in the region with an initial enrolment of over 24,000 students if the proposal is approved.
The National Strategy for Higher Education, drawn up by Dr Colin Hunt, recommended having a smaller number of educational institutions of greater strength and critical mass while also providing for the establishment of technological universities.
According to a spokesman, the three institutes have been working towards the establishment of the Munster Technological University since the publication of the Hunt report in January 2011, and have consulted with international experts on establishing and managing multi-campus universities.
“The MTU will build on the strengths of LIT, IT Tralee and CIT to create a large, effective and innovative university with the scale and level of activity which will allow it to make a significant contribution regionally, nationally and internationally.
“We are confident that the MTU will meet the criteria for technological university status and, once the process for application is determined, we intend to seek designation at the earliest opportunity,” said the spokesman.
The new technological university would offer courses up to PhD level in a broad range of disciplines including business, humanities, health sciences, visual and performing arts, science and engineering.
According to the spokesman, the new university will make a major contribution nationally and its activities will assist in economic growth, innovation and job creation. It will work in partnership with local businesses and the professions.
“The creation of this university will help to reinforce Ireland’s attractiveness and suitability as a location for establishing enterprises – indigenous and multinational, large and small – across a range of sectors,” said the spokesman.
“MTU will also have a significant international profile and will build productive international partnerships with institutions across the globe. These links will provide significant economic, social and cultural benefits to the region and the country as a whole.”
