ENNIS will be formally recognised as a university town from Friday, October 1 when the new Technological University for the Mid-West and the Midlands will commence operations.
Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris has confirmed to Clare Fine Gael TD, Joe Carey, that he will visit the Ennis campus in Bindon Street in the near future.
“Thank you for all your support and engagement regarding the importance of a Technological University for the Mid-West region and how this could benefit both Ennis and Clare in terms of access to higher education, regional development and investment,” Minister Harris said in reply to a letter from Deputy Carey.
“I am delighted to confirm to you that the new Technological University for the Shannon: Midlands Midwest will formally commence on the October 1. So from next month, Ennis will be a university town. I am very much looking forward to working with you on ensuring the county and the region can harness fully the potential and benefits of this and thank you for the invitation to come and visit the Ennis campus with you shortly,” Minister Harris added.
Deputy Carey said that the fact that Ennis will now be recognised as a university town will prove a significant help in the years ahead in terms of marketing and growing the town.
“The town and county will benefit for years to come as this new technological university evolves. The presidents of LIT and Athlone IT deserve enormous credit for their foresight in combining to make this happen,” he said.
“The potential created by LIT and Clare County Council in working together to establish the campus in Bindon Street has already paid dividends. This latest development will build on that to the benefit of current and future generations in our county. It will also be a significant marketing aid to be able to refer to Ennis as a university town,” Deputy Carey stated.
In May Minister Harris designated Athlone Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology as a Technological University, with LIT’s Ennis campus on Bindon Street falling under the remit of the new institution.