Sinn Féin TD for Waterford David Cullinane has called on the Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris to provide clarity on the future Headquarters of the Technological University of the South East.
Deputy Cullinane said there is a concerted effort from Carlow and Kilkenny for the headquarters to be in Kilkenny which makes no sense.
Speaking this morning Deputy Cullinane said:
“A decision on the headquarters of a new regional University must be based on what is best academically and educationally. Placing the headquarters in a county without a campus and without a home to students makes no sense.
“It is really important that we build confidence in the TU process. It has gained momentum in recent months and huge work has been done by both Presidents in WIT and IT Carlow and others on the Project Team. That work needs to be supported and not undermined.
“There is a concerted effort by voices in Carlow and Kilkenny for the headquarters to be placed in Kilkenny. It is important that political considerations do not trump what is in the best interests of the region and a future University.
“Parking this issue is not an option. The Minister needs to intervene and clearly set out the process for selection. A decision needs to be made sooner rather than later. We need to know what a Technological University for the region will look like before an application is made. We cannot be expected to buy a pig in a poke. We need clarity and urgently.”
