Technical university for the South-East moves step closer

The creation of a technical university for the South-East was set to move a step closer today, as the Cabinet was poised to approve a long-awaited merger between Waterford and Carlow ITs.

Ministers were likely to endorse plans for a new educational entity comprising the two institutions drawn-up by former head of the Higher Education Authority Michael Kelly following a series of controversies in creating a university for the region.

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan was bringing a memo of information on the merger plans for Cabinet colleagues to approve ahead of the publication of the full Kelly report in the coming weeks.

A senior Cabinet source said the Coalition was determined to push ahead with the merger, as it was in the Programme for Government, and would not let “territorial job rows” between the two institutes get in the way.

The setting-up of a technical university for the South-East is being seen as a boost to the region’s economy and jobs growth plans.

The proposed merger between the two ITs has been beset with rancour.

TUI members in Waterford have balloted to oppose any “forced” mergers imposed by the Government.

Waterford IT pulled out of talks with its opposite number in Carlow citing concern regarding the length of time it would take for the merged entity to become a technological university.

However, the Education Minister warned Waterford IT it would not be possible for a standalone bid for technological university status.

Mr Kelly, who also served as secretary general of the Department of Health, was brought in to end the foot-dragging, and asked to find a way forward for a merger that suited both bodies.

South-eastern TDs have long called for an upgrade of higher education facilities in the region fearing it is holding it back economically.

Ministers hoped the South-East education issue would be covered by Cabinet despite an extensive ‘end of Dáil term’ agenda for the meeting which was to include a defence white paper.