Deputy Thomas Pringle has welcomed progress towards the new Technological University for the West and North West, saying the potential of the Killybegs campus can be an important part of the new institution.
Simon Harris, minister for further and higher education, confirmed on Friday that he has received an application seeking to establish a technological university from the Connacht Ulster Alliance. The alliance comprises Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT), IT Sligo and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
“This is very good news for Donegal and for the region. As this application progresses, we have to make sure the new technological university recognises the potential Killybegs can play in the overall university picture for the north west,” Deputy Pringle said.
He added that it is important for the new technological university to see the Killybegs campus as an important resource that can and should be grown and developed.
“I have addressed the Dáil previously about the importance of the Killybegs campus and its vital location in relation to LYIT, IT Sligo and GMIT. If you look at it geographically, there is great synergy there.
“If the new management embraces the idea of outreach and synergy, Killybegs is ready to play its part. The Killybegs campus should be embraced and developed – tourism and renewable technology are just two examples of the potential for growth. There is great potential there for it.”