The Minister for Higher Education says the new Atlantic Technological University will have ‘an international reach without borders on the edge of Europe’ and will be a ‘gateway to the rest of the world.’
Simon Harris made the comments this morning as he announced the name of the new university, which is expected to be established next April.
Minister Harris says the ambitious name Atlantic Technological University conveys power, strength, inspiration, creation, vast horizons, a distinctive geography, a rich history and shared heritage.
The name was chosen following an independent process by marketing and brand consultant company McCann (Dublin), which conducted surveys and online consultation with staff, students and others.
The new university will be made up of IT Sligo, Letterkenny IT and Galway Mayo IT, as well as St Angela’s College in Clogherevagh, on the shores of Lough Gill in Sligo.
Dr Edel MacSharry, acting president of St Angela’s, says the amalgamation will benefit students, staff and the entire region.
Minister Harris said students of the three ITs who graduate in the academic year of 2021/2022, and in subsequent years, will do so with university qualifications.
In a joint statement, the three IT presidents, Dr Brendan McCormack of IT Sligo, Paul Hannigan of LYIT and Dr Orla Flynn of GMIT, said the new university will significantly contribute to the transformation of the educational landscape of the region.
It was a sentiment echoed by Sligo/Leitrim Fianna Fail TD Marc MacSharry:
Deputy MacSharry said the money which was to be used to amalgamate St Angela’s College into NUI Galway will now be used for the incorporation of St Angela’s into the new technological university.
Minister of State and Sligo/Leitrim Fine Gael TD Frank Feighan says the inclusion of St Angela’s College in the new university makes perfect sense.
