Kelly report on South East University is good news for Carlow – Deering

Fine Gael TD for Carlow, Pat Deering, has said that the report by Michael Kelly on the future of a university for the South East is good news as it makes the case that the project is viable and should go ahead.

“Mr Kelly’s report notes that the South East university project is viable and can be progressed within a reasonable timeframe. It is time now for IT Carlow and Waterford IT to come together to find a solution which will progress this project as quickly as possible.

“The Government is fully aware of the need for this this University to drive future development in the South East region. Last week the Minister for Education, Jan O’Sullivan met with the Chairs and Presidents of the two Institutes of Technology to discuss the report and agree the next steps. It was agreed with the Chairs and Presidents that a project plan for a process of facilitation would be developed by mid-August for consideration at Governing Body meetings planned for end-August.

“The consultation process for this report involved Local Authorities, Chambers of Commerce, Employers, the Enterprise Development Agencies, Social and Community Groups as well as public representatives. 

“I commend Michael Kelly for all his hard work in meeting with stakeholders and producing this report on the South East University. The fact that he and all stakeholders are committed to the future of this is great news for Carlow which would really stand to benefit from the creation of a University in the South East.”  

Note to editors

The report is available at http://www.education.ie/en/Publications/Education-Reports/Engagement-and-Consultation-Process-on-a-Technological-University-for-the-South-East.pdf