Following the suspension of the merger with IT Carlow by Waterford Institute of Technology, I have established a new process to reinvigorate the technological university of the South East project. I have appointed Michael Kelly to lead a process of consultation with the governing bodies, staff and students in the two institutes and with other stakeholders in the region in order to explore with all parties the future of a technological university in the South East.
The Government has made a strong commitment to explore the establishment of a multi-campus technological university in the region. I believe such an institution will make an enormous contribution to the social and economic fabric of the south-east. I expect to receive Mr. Kelly's report in early January.