Mayor hopes for unity over university bid

THE findings of a national survey on entry to higher education should send a stark message to the Government as they consider the application from Waterford Institute of Technology for university designation, those in favour of the university application claim.

University participation rates recorded in a study by the Higher Education Authority make “alarming reading” for those with an interest in the south east’s social and economic future, according to mayor of Waterford city Hilary Quinlan.

The study shows that while Galway recorded an admission rate to university of 34.2% in 2004, the corresponding figure for Waterford was 20.6% and the south east average was 21.24%. Wexford had the region’s lowest admission rate at 17.6%.