The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Kerry needs to support Tralee IT as a valuable resource for the county
SIR, Today’s launch (March 27) of the commencement of building of the Sports Academy in IT Tralee is welcomed as a vital resource for the delivery of degree programmes and the sports clubs within the Institute. It will also offer an attractive inclusive facility for use by the community.
The majority of the funding for this development was secured through philanthropic donations and partnering with local voluntary organisations.
Government funding for the balance of the project’s costs appears a positive endorsement of the work of the Institute, however, there are grave concerns over the Government’s funding approach to all Institutes of Technology, including Tralee.
Between 2008 and 2015, funding for the Institute of Technology sector nationally fell by 35 per cent while student numbers rose by a staggering 32 per cent and lecturer numbers fell by 10 per cent. This has resulted in a number of the Institutes running annual deficits, which to date have been met from cash reserves. This is clearly unsustainable and despite the Cassells’ report in 2016 pointing to the need for additional funding for the sector, more cuts to services are envisaged in the coming years.
It is time for management, staff and students of Tralee IT to pressurise the Government to urgently address the funding crisis to ensure that the quality of the education service provided to students in Tralee does not diminish further. President of the Institute Dr. Oliver Murphy stated today that the economic contribution of the IT to Tralee town is estimated at €50 million. Local businesses and public representatives need to join in the fight to protect this vital resource in Kerry. Sincerely, Ursula Barrett and Joan Cleary, IT Tralee.