Updated report sought on 'game-changer' third level proposal for western region

The Leader of An Seanad, Senator Regina Doherty, is to ask the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an updated report on the proposed west and north-west technological university - an investment that will incorporate the Mayo Campus of GMIT in Castlebar.

It follows an appeal by Mayo Senator Paddy Burke in respect of the matter.

He wants confirmation on whether or not an application has been made for the facility.

Senator Burke is also concerned about the issue of governance "so that each area would be represented within the university, each area would have a representative on the governing body and each would play an important part in regard to the governance of the proposed technological university."

"It is a hugely important step forward and it is very important at this point in time that we would have an updated report from the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science."

Senator Doherty said the technological universities are going to be a game-changer for the regions and they will take away the impetus of people, in particular young students, to go to the cities for third-level education.