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Two new technological universities unveiled for north west and south east THE Government has announced the establishment of two new technological universities at either end of Ireland. First to be unveiled at the end of October is a new Technological University (TU) for Connacht and Ulster comprising GalwayMayo, Sligo and Letterkenny institutes of technology. The Connacht-Ulster Alliance, established to campaign for the new TU said that The new university for the West and NorthWest of Ireland will be one of the largest multi-campus universities on the island. "The TU will have the critical mass and academic depth to attract, educate, nurture and retain talent in the West, North-West and cross-border region and will strengthen and benefit our region socially, economically and culturally," they said. In early November Higher Education Minister Simon Harris signalled the end of one of the longest running issues in Irish
Education when he confirmed the new TU for the south east to be formed by the amalgamation of Waterford and Carlow institutes of technology. Acknowledging the campaigners Minister Harris said: "After years of debate, the establishment of this new technological university will become a reality next year, and the South East can look forward to it increasing higher education access, driving enhanced regional development across Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford". The two new TUs are in addition to TU Dublin and Munster TU; and the recently named Technological University of the Shannon (see page 8). The two remaining Institutes of Technology, Dundalk and IADT in Dún Laoghaire are also working on attaining TU status with IADT pursuing the novel goal of becoming Ireland's national Creative Arts University.
Power 2 Progress initiative for DEIS school students A NEW scheme for 700 students in DEIS schools has been announced which will see the students getting help from UCD student teachers, additional classes and tutorials and access to laptop PCs. Over 700 students across Dublin, Wicklow, Kildare and Wexford have signed up, with plans to expand into Laois and Offaly. Power 2 Progress is a programme from UCD in collaboration with Zurich Ireland and with support from the Z Zurich Foundation and Rethink Ireland. The programme will facilitate onsite visits to UCD and Zurich offices based in Ireland to encourage students to pursue further education and professional careers. UCD student teachers will provide educational support to participating students through weekly tutorials over the course of their senior cycle
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