Published on: Wednesday, 10 December 2014

Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) and Institute of Technology Tralee (ITT) welcome the confirmation from the Higher Education Authority (HEA) that they have been asked to take the next step in creating the Munster Technological University (MTU). The MTU partners have successfully completed Stage 3 of the process towards Technological University designation and the Minister for Education and Skills, Jan O’Sullivan TD, has confirmed that the submission made by the two Institutes represents a credible proposal for the creation of a Technological University.  

The Minister in welcoming the HEA announcement stated that:

“The international panel have confirmed that the proposed technological universities in Munster and Dublin are well on track.  I am convinced that these new institutions have the potential to deliver high quality, enterprise-focused university education for their regions and for Ireland.” 

The international panel which evaluated the proposal concluded that “The panel is of the opinion that the Munster Technological University proposal is likely to meet the criteria for designation as a technological university within the proposed timeframe…”

The new University will be outward facing and progressive and will be focused on recognising and meeting the needs of individuals, enterprise partners and the broader society within the region and beyond.

“For our staff and students, for our partners in education and business, for the people of Kerry and Cork, this is an exciting and positive development as we work towards achieving TU status,” said Dr Oliver Murphy, President ITT.

“Both institutions look forward to working with our stakeholders, the HEA and the Department of Education & Skills as we pursue, over the coming months, our shared goal of establishing the MTU.   The change to Technological University will enable us to enter into even more ambitious partnerships for the greater of the benefit of the region our staff and students” concluded Dr. Brendan Murphy, President CIT.