University of the South East talks in Dublin
SENIOR FIGURES from Carlow Institute of Technology have met with Government ministers in Dublin in a bid to progress plans for a University of the South East (USE).
Last Thursday a delegation met with the Minister for Higher Education, Mitchell O’Connor, and Minister Paul Kehoe for an hour-long meeting at which a range of topics were discussed based around the university proposal.
A joint application from Carlow and Waterford Institutes of Technology is currently being assessed by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) and the two Institutes say that if their application is successful a USE would bring major economic benefits to the south east region including County Wexford.
They say it would create new opportunities in education in addition to creating jobs.
Following last week’s meeting Minister Kehoe said he agreed with that view: ‘A strong Technological University will enhance the south east and provide huge new opportunities in terms of education and jobs for the people of Wexford.’
He said establishing a university in the region would also help the economic recovery in the south east.
Minister Kehoe also said he supported the delegates in their desire to purchase a site in Wexford to accommodate a new purpose-built campus.
He said the Carlow IT campus on the grounds of St Peter’s College in Wexford has greatly enhanced the town and county and that it produces highly skilled graduates every year.
With regard to the plans to purchase a new site Minister Kehoe said he expects a conclusion to be reached in the coming months.