DkIT move to become University College can be a game-changer for the region, says Nash
DkIT move to become University College can be a game-changer for the region, says Nash - The Labour Party
Louth Labour TD, Ged Nash says that Dundalk IT’s establishment as a University College of Queen’s University Belfast is a game-changer for third-level education in the North-East and he would like to see movement towards the establishment of a satellite college campus of this new institution, in Drogheda.
Deputy Nash said:
“I would like to congratulate DkIT for this huge step towards the long-held ambition of university status.
“From the 2026 academic year, it will now provide access to prestigious Queen’s University degrees.
“I will be seeking a briefing from the President on the precise implications of the move for existing and future students and for staff, but on the face of it, this looks like an exciting and game-changing project that will at last provide a University College in the North-East. I am also anxious to establish where this now leaves the relationship that the Institute was working to establish with Maynooth University, a college that is attended by a considerable number of Louth and Meath-based students.
“It is my hope that this move will result in the new Dundalk University College becoming an even more significant driver of economic, social and cultural development for our region.
“There has been many twists and turns in the road on the institute’s path to University College status, and I’m delighted that dream now looks set to become a reality and huge congratulations are due to everyone who played a part in getting us here.
“This should only be the beginning though, not an end in itself. I would like to see this new institution grow and cross-border ties with Queen’s University expanded to a point where we can have a satellite campus in Drogheda.
“A town of Drogheda’s size needs a third-level institution and DkIT has pointed the way towards progress with this new and innovative agreement with Queen’s University.”