Ennis now officially a university town

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  • Technological University status for LIT given government designation
  • Historic day for LIT and education in Ennis

 

Fianna Fáil TD for Clare Cathal Crowe has welcomed the news this morning that LIT has officially been given government designation as a Technological University, securing university status for Ennis.

The LIT-AIT consortium formally commenced in October of 2019 and was granted €5 million by the Higher Education Authority to assist it with creating and developing a technological university.

“Today, LIT is receiving government designation as a Technological University in what is a hugely historic day for LIT but also for our county, with the Ennis campus on Bindon Street now meaning our county town is officially a university town,” said Deputy Crowe.

“Two years ago, LIT and its Athlone equivalent formed a consortium in order to reach a higher benchmark and achieve this university status.

“This new technological university will comprise a student population of up to 15,000 and a staff complement of around 1,200 people across its six campuses in Ennis, Limerick, Clonmel, Thurles and Athlone.

“As a TD for Clare, I’ve been in regular contact with Professor Vincent Cunnane, president of LIT, since my election and on many occasions I raised this campaign to be classed as a university with An Taoiseach and my colleagues in government.

“Today, I am particularly delighted for Vincent, his team and all of the staff and students of the college.

“The opening of the LIT campus in Ennis took place to much fanfare during my tenure as Mayor of Clare and it was an incredibly exciting day for all.

“Elevating it to TU status is a real boost for the town and for our county as a whole.

“It’s also important to note that the new TU campus being so close to Shannon Airport and the Shannon Free Zone – less than 15 minutes by car – is invaluable and no doubt played a major role in securing this upgraded status for LIT.

“I think there’s huge potential here to pioneer aviation courses and training from a university in Clare.

“Along with the huge boost in terms of the provision of education in Clare and the Midwest region, this has massive potential for the economy of Ennis.

“I look forward to seeing hundreds of students living here, working here and spending their money in the wealth of local businesses we have in our county town.”

-ENDS-