The Killybegs School of Tourism is to be relocated to the LYIT campus on a phased basis.
The decision was taken after a meeting of the LYIT Governing Body meeting held earlier today.
The move will be a huge blow to the local economy in the fishing port.
The decision was made in the wake of the LYIT having its core funding cut by 43% in the past 3 years.
The Governing Body approved the Institute’s three Year Financial Plan which was requested by the Higher Education Authority (HEA).
This plan was requested in the context of the overall financial stability of the Institute.
LYIT has had its core funding cut by 43% in the last 5 years with a commensurate reduction of over 70 staff.
The Institute has projected an average on-going operating deficit of €1.9 m per annum over the coming years.
In the context of the sustainability of the Institute as a whole, the stated objective of the Institute’s Executive is to retain autonomy in decision making and to address the Institute’s financial deficit.
Given that 75% of the projected deficit is attributable to the School of Tourism, Killybegs the Financial Plan addresses three options for the future of the School of Tourism.
The first option was to continue current operations in Killybegs, the second was to cease School of Tourism activities in LYIT and the third option was to move School of Tourism to Letterkenny on a phased basis.
Option 1, given the current funding model for Institutes of Technology, is not a viable option unless the HEA makes additional funding available.
Option 3 is the option on which the Financial Plan is based, subject to capital funding being made available from the HEA.
Option 2 will only be considered in the context of neither options 1 nor 3 being available to the Institute.
The Governing Body said it is acutely aware of its responsibilities to the Institute and to the wider region and has approved the Executive’s Financial Plan in this context.
“The Governing Body also understands and appreciates the difficulties currently being faced in south west Donegal through representations from various community groups and individuals.
“In this regard, the Governing Body proposes the establishment of a forum comprising of Institute and Killybegs community representatives to engage with and keep the community appraised of on-going developments with the HEA.
“As previously stated, staff, current and prospective students can be assured that there will be no impact on the intake on School of Tourism programmes for the academic year 2013/14,” said a statement.
The Financial Plan will be submitted to the HEA tomorrow, 21 June 2013.
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