Report backs calls for university status in Waterford

A report commissioned by Waterford Chamber of Commerce has backed calls for Waterford Institute of Technology to be upgraded to a university.

Local interests have been calling for the move for some time and have recently launched a renewed campaign for university status.

Today's report says a university in the south-east would help to improve the region's poor record on economic performance.

It says a university is critical to attracting knowledge-based jobs to the area.