Waterford IT applies to graduate to university status

WATERFORD Institute of Technology (WIT) has made a formal application to the Department of Education & Science to upgrade to university status.

An institute spokesperson said it’s the latest move in an ongoing campaign both within the college and right across the south-east to get a university for the region.

“As part of this process, a submission has now been made to the Department of Education & Science. The expectation is that a national and international panel of higher educationalists will adjudicate on the merits of the institute’s case and their report will be submitted to the Higher Education Authority.

“The Universities Act 1997 provides the Government with a framework to make an order granting university designation once this review process has been completed.

“The institute will make every preparation towards ensuring a positive outcome that will benefit the south-east region and its people but also impact positively for Ireland’s wider society and economy.”

Waterford Chamber has pledged its support to the institute’s application for university status, and called on the Government to take all steps to assist the south-east in gaining university status.

Chamber President, Dr Frank Dolphin, said WIT was in an excellent position to apply for university designation and proved a centre of academic excellence throughout its 36-year history.

“WIT currently offers tuition and research programmes in many areas up to doctoral level. It is the largest institute of technology outside of Dublin. With almost 11,000 full and part-time students and 1,000 staff, it is vital for the region that WIT is granted university status.

“This will ultimately help to fuel both our local and national economies and attract new business providers to the region, which has suffered from lower per capital income levels relative to other regions.”

Dr Dolphin’s sentiments are supported by a recent report from Goodbody economic consultants. Its findings will be discussed at Waterford Chamber’s annual conference, which takes place in early April.

The conference features industry leaders, who will discuss areas of economic opportunity and the catalysts required for sustained regional growth.

* For information on the Goodbody Report and the forthcoming conference, Vision South-East 2020, contact Siobhan MacCauliffe on 051 872639.