New technological university for the west/north-west region has been named
What do you think of the name?
Further and Higher Education Minister Simon Harris has announced that the new technological university (TU) for the west and north-west region will be named the Atlantic Technological University.
He also revealed that the TU is anticipated to open its doors officially on 1 April, 2022.
The new technological university was announced in October, following an application from the Galway-Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny institutes of technology.
It is the fourth TU to be created since 2019, with the multi-campus university to encompass locations in Castlebar, Galway City, Killybegs, Letterfrack, Letterkenny, Mountbellew and Sligo.
The name was chosen by the applicant institutes after extensive research and consultation with thousands of students, staff and stakeholders.
Good news for the west and north west this morning. Announcing the name of the new Technological University - Atlantic Technological University & commencement date
Read here: https://t.co/YeH5Rrg6Nn pic.twitter.com/DU70qSjX9V— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) November 23, 2021
"I am pleased to be able to announce the name of Ireland’s fourth technological university and that, subject to the relevant legislative processes being completed, the date of establishment of the Atlantic Technological University shall be 1 April, 2022," Harris said in a statement.
"This means that students of the current three institutes who graduate in this academic year of 2021/2022 and henceforth in the west and north-west will do so with university qualifications."
The institutes welcomed the Minister's announcement, stating that the new name "reflects the deep connections to the region" and the three's "ability and ambition to impact at a national and international scale".
"This name expresses a sense of place, culture and heritage, incorporating aspiration, scale, geography and our commitment to innovation and sustainability," the institutes added.
"It speaks to our unique perspective on an island in the Atlantic that makes waves on an international stage."
The open public process seeking expressions of interest in the post of the first president of the new TU will be launched shortly by the applicant institutes.
Main image via Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie
