Institutes of technology discuss possible mergers across sector

A NUMBER of institutes of technology are already discussing possible mergers which are to be urged in the long-awaited higher education strategy being published this morning.

The four Dublin colleges in the Institute of Technology (IoT) sector have already announced they are considering a joint application to be recognised together as a technological university. But the Irish Examiner understands a number of the other IoTs have held preliminary talks about joining forces, with various combinations being examined.

For example, Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is believed to have had initial talks with IT Tralee before changing its focus for a merger with Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT). CIT and WIT both have applications on hold in the Department of Education to be renamed universities, although CIT’s proposal is to become a technological university.