Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Minister and the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, on their innovative and creative approach to their new Department.

The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science has the capacity and ability to play a central role in our national recovery plan. These are exciting and refreshing times for institutes of technology. I am delighted with the progress made in establishing a technological university between Limerick Institute of Technology and Athlone Institute of Technology. This venture includes Thurles and Clonmel campuses.

The umbrella group representing all stakeholders did a wonderful job of work. Discussions and negotiations went smoothly. They were united in purpose and the merger is on track. This is a massive opportunity and ground-breaking initiative for Limerick Institute of Technology and its Thurles and Clonmel campuses. Thurles and Clonmel will become university towns and it will have a hugely positive impact on the educational and enterprise landscape of Tipperary.

Has the external independent evaluation of the application been completed? What is the timescale for the Government's sanction? Will the Minister outline his thoughts and vision for this new entity and the impact it will have on Tipperary and the regions?

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