Sir, - We the undersigned, being staff of the Department of Mathematics and Computing in Cork Regional Technical College, are angered and dismayed at the decision of the Minister for Education not to upgrade this college to Institute of Technology status.
For over 20 years the college has campaigned for upgrading based on academic merit and the educational needs of the South West Region. The college offers 14 degree programmes, 23 Diplomas and 23 Certificates. There are Masters and Doctorate programmes throughout Science and Engineering. The reasoned arguments to support the case of Cork RTC have not been listened to.
The South West region is not attracting new high technology industries. This is due to the lack of investment in education in the region. There is now an over concentration of new higher technology industries in the Dublin region. Cork is not being allowed compete with Dublin's four Universities, DIT and RTC's. The Minister's decision means that Cork will continue to be hampered in its ability to attract modern industry.
The time for reasoned argument is over. Upgrade Cork RTC. Now!
- Yours, etc.,
Cork Regional Technical
College,
Bishopstown,
Cork.