Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today, 24th October, officially opened South East Technological University.
Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “I’m delighted to return to Waterford today to officially open South East Technological University.
“SETU is a university for the entire region but will also have an enhanced national and global reach. The vision has now become a reality.
“My Department will continue to support Ireland’s newest university in becoming a central part of our higher education landscape.
“Today would not be happening if it were not for the hard work put in across the past decade by staff, management, students and the people of the South East. While today is the start of a brand new journey, it is only one step on the road. This will be matched by investment, investment in infrastructure and new buildings, investment in education, investment in research.”
SETU, which opened its doors almost six months ago on 1 May, is the fifth TU to be established since 2019 and represents a milestone in higher education provision for the South East being as it is historically the first university presence in the region.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said: “This is a pivotal moment for Waterford and the south east. The University of Limerick had a transformed the city and mid-west region and has stimulated new jobs and the local economy. I know that the same can happen in Waterford and the south-east. The new university will make it easier for the IDA to secure foreign direct investment for the region and is sure to become an incubator for new Irish businesses, which will become major employers in their own right.”
Providing higher educational programmes from apprenticeships to those resulting in doctoral level qualifications, the new TU is set to play a pivotal role in the strategic development of the South East, while maintaining a global outlook and a civic centric value system.
SETU Governing Body Chair, Prof Patrick Prendergast said: “Today we proudly announce to the world that our new University is here and we are ready to take on the challenges of building a university that will deliver for the South East through cutting-edge educational programmes, advanced research and societal engagement.
“I'm personally delighted to be celebrating this occasion with our students and staff, and with all who have a stake in the success of SETU - civic leadership throughout the South East, industry collaborators, higher education colleagues and the wider networks of SETU supporters throughout the region. It is together that we are strongest and together that we will build a truly great European technological university.”
ENDS