Blow to city’s university hopes as Hanafin says no to upgrade

WATERFORD’S campaign for a university was dealt a blow last night as Education Minister Mary Hanafin refused to bow to local pressure to upgrade the city’s Institute of Technology.

Upgrading the institute to a university is “not Government policy at present”, Ms Hanafin said.

She described the college as “one of the jewels in the crown of the institute of technology sector.”

“This institute of technology serves a wonderful need for so many different levels of education in the Waterford region. One of its key features is that it provides courses at a number of academic levels, from certificate right through to postgraduate level. I would not like to see any of this lost.

“Universities fill a need. We have nine of them and what we also have is a dual system which fills other needs. WIT probably is one of the jewels in the crown. The people of Waterford want a top-level, third-level institute. They want top academic results and a college which responds to the needs of industry. There certainly isn’t a policy to upgrade it to university status,” she added.

Ms Hanafin officially opened an information and communications technology (ICT) building and student restaurant at the Cork Road campus yesterday. The buildings represent a combined investment of €15 million.

Ms Hanafin commended the institute and its 6,000 students. “Waterford Institute of Technology continues to make a significant contribution to the economic, social and cultural development of the region.

“These impressive facilities will assist the institute to continue to deliver excellence in its teaching, learning and research which will foster graduates of distinction ready to take a leadership role in business, the professions, industry and public service,” Ms Hanafin said.

Professor Kieran Byrne, director of WIT, said the facilities were milestones in the institute’s development.

“These facilities represent a massive investment in our future and provide concrete proof of our preparedness for that future. They also display our determination to press on with opening up opportunities that are relevant to our students and the society we serve.

“The Walton Building is a key step forward in the institute’s evolution as a centre of excellence.”