Deadlock in merger plans for education institutes

A ministerial-appointed troubleshooter has failed to broker agreement between Carlow and Waterford institutes of technology on merging, to assist a possible creation of a university in the south-east.

Michael Kelly’s report to Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan was brought to the Cabinet last week, months after his work to try and resolve an impasse between the colleges should have been completed.

The Irish Examiner understands he has told the minister the difficulties remain and he has been unable to find a solution. The former chairman of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), and previously Department of Health secretary general, was appointed in November to seek a breakthrough.