New university will be a 'driver' for Cork and the region

The Department of Education granted Technological University status to the consortium yesterday afternoon.
The Government confirmed that the two applicant institutes have demonstrated compliance and met the conditions set down for a merger to create the Munster Technological University (MTU).
The project leader of the MTU and lecturer at CIT, Hugh McGlynn, said the only technological university outside Dublin is “great news for the south-west region” and will give the country the “regional development” it needs.
He said that the move will enhance the reputation of students, improve conditions, secure better funding streams, and better campus development.
Prof McGlynn said that post-Covid-19, MTU will be a “driver for regional development, growth, and opportunities” for the 15,300 students enrolled in CIT and IT Tralee.
President of CIT, Barry O’Connor, said the designation of CIT and IT Tralee together as the MTU is a “vote of confidence”.