Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Simon Harris, has officially opened the new Atlantic Technological University (TU).
Atlantic TU sees the dissolution of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Sligo, and Letterkenny Institute of Technology.
Speaking at the launch event, Minister Simon Harris called the creation of the new Atlantic Technological University (ATU) “a massive achievement” and said it was “on the back of ten years of hard work”.
The Minister said, “The establishment of Atlantic Technological University, the fourth TU in the State, is a significant occasion for higher education in Ireland and, in particular, for the West and North West regions.
“I know today is a day of mixed emotions as we dissolve GMIT, IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT but it should be a day of immense pride too to the management, governing authorities and staff of the 3 institutions.
“Today is the start of a new journey. Together these institutions will merge to become ATU – a powerhouse working for the region, for investment in the region and its people.”
Providing higher education programmes across all levels of the National Framework of Qualifications, including both apprenticeships and doctoral level qualifications, the new TU will play a pivotal role in the strategic regional development of the West and North West.