Vol. 424 No. 5
104 Mr. Cullimore asked the Minister for Education if, in view of the tremendous importance that Rosslare Harbour Euro Port has on the expansion of industrial development for Wexford, particularly with the completion of the Channel Tunnel, there is a tremendous need for the establishment of a third level institute in this area which caters for over 100,000 people; and if he will meet relevant organisations to discuss this issue.
My Department are satisfied that the projected increase in student numbers and the provision of research and development support to industry can be effectively met through the existing network of regionally located third level institutions (universities and technological colleges).
The Green Paper on Education proposes that all third level institutions develop explicit policies for interaction with industry, with particular emphasis on the economic development of their regions and including the development of appropriate linkages between regional technical colleges and universities to further enhance the quality of service available on a regional basis.
County Wexford is included within the areas served by both Waterford and Carlow regional technical colleges and will be represented on the new governing bodies of these institutions. Officials of my Department will be happy to meet with representatives of local organisations to provide further clarification if necessary.
