Name and official opening date of west's Technological University confirmed
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, has confirmed that the name agreed by the applicant institutes for the new Technological University for the west and north west region being established next year shall be the Atlantic Technological University (Ollscoil Teicheolaíochta an Atlantaigh), and is anticipated to open its doors officially on 1 April 2022.
The news has been welcomed by Mayo TD Alan Dillon.
The name chosen by the applicant institutes of Galway-Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny Institutes of Technology follows a comprehensive survey commissioned by the Institutes from external consultants of relevant internal and external stakeholders including most notably the students and staff of the three Institutes.
This name has the full support of all three governing bodies.
Minister Harris said: “I am pleased to be able to announce the name of this Ireland’s fourth technological university and that subject to the relevant legislative processes being completed the date of establishment of the Atlantic Technological University will be April 1, 2022.
"This means that students of the current three Institutes who graduate in this academic year of 2021/2022 and henceforth in the west and north west will do so with university qualifications."
The move is subject to the drafting of the requisite ministerial order under the Technological Universities Act 2018 by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, its laying before and approval by resolution by each House of the Oireachtas.
The name Atlantic Technological University reflects the deep connections to the region and our ability and ambition to impact at a national and international scale.
This name expresses a sense of place, culture and heritage, incorporating aspiration, scale, geography and our commitment to innovation and sustainability.
It speaks to our unique perspective on an island in the Atlantic that makes waves on an international stage.
The new TU’s name was chosen through extensive research and consultation with thousands of students, staff and stakeholders across industry and education.
Welcoming the minister’s announcement, Deputy Dillon said: “This is further confirmation that the Castlebar Campus will serve as a powerhouse for regional development and improving access to higher education, It will drive enhanced regional development and increase opportunities for students, staff, business and enterprise, and local communities in the north west.”
Castlebar Senator Paddy Burke has also welcomed the announcement.
He said that Mayo students will now be able to attend university in their own county.
"I congratulate Minister Harris for getting this over the line. It's a momentous achievement for Castlebar, Mayo and the region.
"It has been a long road from Mayo RTC to university status and great credit s due to everybody involved over the years, not least Paddy McGuinness."