Double the academic ‘year’ to boost economy

THE major engine driving prosperity and employment in Cork city stopped for the past four months, but it has just restarted.

As a result, many apartments, houses, hotels and pubs which have been empty or vacant, or losing money, have also restarted.

The engine I refer to is made up of UCC, Cork Institute of Technology and other third-level colleges.

We could almost double the number of third-level students who could benefit from the existing stock of buildings and facilities by having the university and third-level colleges start in June and end in December with another academic year starting in January and ending in May. This would mean two academic “years” in each calendar year.

Our extreme economic difficulties need new solutions. We have to see beyond conventional attitudes, customs and work practices if we are to survive and prosper as a nation. Education and development are crucial. New degree courses and retraining for the unemployed would help greatly.

Many new lecture positions could become available. A large proportion of the cost could be recouped by receipt of fees from foreign students. Cash payments for accommodation, food, leisure, taxis would greatly benefit the Cork economy. These student tourists would stay for six months instead of two weeks – the normal holiday time.

I propose that a cross-party ways and means group be appointed by the Government to achieve this great possibility, together with academics and civil servants who have ability and a ‘can do’ attitude. I believe such a programme would benefit not just Cork but other university cities and towns with third-level facilities.

Brendan P Donoghue

Bellevue Cross

Douglas Road

Cork