There are a number of important statutory and administrative procedures to be completed as part of the process leading to the establishment of the new technological university (TU) made up of AIT and LIT. These include the approval of an order under section 36 of the Technological Universities Act 2018 by the Houses of the Oireachtas and the appointment of the first governing body of the new TU as well as a recruitment process undertaken leading to the appointment of the first president. These matters will be progressed as a matter of urgency with the aim of the new TU being established later this year.
The communities in areas where there are campuses of the new TU such as those referred to in the Deputy's question will, over time, benefit from the university attracting more students, the retention and creation of skills and employment in its regional hinterlands and acting as a catalyst for research, innovation and enterprise with a view to attracting increasing levels of investment including foreign direct investment, contributing to further regional and socio-economic development. It will be a matter for the governing body of the new TU to fulfil its functions under the Act, a number of which relate to regional development and community interaction. This will include delivery of these functions across the multi-campuses of the new university in concert with the university’s staff and students, external regional stakeholders and wider community interests.
As one of their legislatively required functions, TUs shall foster close and effective relationships with statutory bodies including those responsible for regional development, local authorities, Education and Training Boards and organisations representing the social, creative and cultural interests of the communities in the regions being served.
Funding from the Exchequer will continue to be provided as appropriate through the TU Transformation Fund, under which €90 million will be provided in the period to 2023, bringing total funding of the TU agenda to some €121 million since 2013. Significant capital development is also being provided or planned for TU campuses in line with funding available under the National Development Plan and subject to the public spending code.
