Unified approach needed to get new campus site
A unified campaign is needed to get a large campus of Carlow IT based in Wexford town, according to Independent TD Verona Murphy.
Deputy Murphy welcomed news that progress is being made in progressing the Technological University of the South East and that Carlow IT is committed to finding a suitable site in Wexford town. Deputy Murphy said: ‘I have engaged in recent weeks with Carlow IT with a view to securing a site in Wexford. Matters have moved on substantially in the last couple of weeks. We know that Carlow is financially in a position to secure a site that is build-able and for which planning can be easily obtained.’
After Carlow IT lecturers voted in mid-June to change to a semester style model of teaching which would mirror the system used in Waterford, progress has been made.
‘We should not get caught up in internal politics between WIT and Carlow IT and should avoid getting sucked into other people’s problems. Site acquisition should be the main priority,’ Deputy Murphy said. She stressed the urgency in getting the site acquired, saying the money is there and needs to be spent. ‘All politicians and relevant authorities in Co Wexford need to get this moving. Unhelpful comments on the amalgamation of Carlow and WIT serve no purpose other than to muddy the waters.’
Outgoing Education Minister Joe McHugh recently vowed in the Dail that all the funding was in place and the application would go in before the year is out. A Memorandum of Understanding still has to be approved between Carlow and Waterford.
Deputy Murphy said both WIT and Carlow have around 7,500 students. ‘A campus in Wexford needs to grow. What we don’t want to see is an amalgamation in which Wexford gets left behind. I couldn’t have completed my Law degree without the campus in Wexford. I was self employed and a young mother. There are many parents who can’t afford to send their children away to college. Even going to Waterford is expensive between all the costs of having a car or bus travel,’
She said having up to 5,000 third level students educated in Co Wexford would have huge advantages for the county. ‘We have to create the necessary STEM courses to attract high end jobs here. Our students are leaving and many never return.’