Institute director rejects setbacks to university application

THE director of Waterford Institute of Technology said yesterday that weekend leaks and remarks by politicians do not represent setbacks in the institute’s campaign for university designation.

Professor Kieran R Byrne said that it was clear the strong and united regional case from the south-east was “accepted as an imperative” in the confidential report of education expert Dr Jim Port.

“It is also clear that the academic maturity of the Waterford Institute meets all required standards and performance indicators — both nationally and internationally,” said Prof Byrne.