WATERFORD Institute of Technology’s reputation as a key national centre for research and development activity has received a further boost with the announcement of more than €3.2 million in additional grant aid.

WHILE the number of people who completed their education with a third level qualification increased by more than 180,000 nationally between 2002 and 2006, new figures show that the south-east still lags behind academically.

A DECISION on Waterford Institute of Technology’s application for university status is expected shortly.