Messages of Support for the New TU

Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) welcomes the creation of a TU for the west and north-west region of Ireland. It is a significant and important development for the educational infrastructure of this geographic region. It will contribute hugely to the regional economic enhancement through the provision of wide ranging integrated higher educational provision for the citizens in the region and further afield. We look forward to continuing and further developing our established partnerships with the higher education providers who will constitute this TU. Tom Grady, Chief Executive, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board

I write to express the support of Donegal Educational Training Board (ETB) for the establishment of the new TU. Our involvement in the FE/HE Cross Border Cluster will be strengthened by the creation of the TU and will ultimately lead to increased retention of our young people within the region. Donegal ETB works collaboratively with LYIT on several projects aimed at increasing the transfer and progression of our students within our second level schools and our Further Education and Training service. This includes the area of apprenticeship provision for which there will be even greater scope with the advent of the TU. Anne McHugh, Chief Executive, Donegal Education and Training Board

A TU that is agile, responsive, engaged with the business community and, most of all, delivering high quality teaching and research will present significant opportunity for the region. A thriving business community is directly linked to a strong education and research infrastructure. Claire McGee, Head of Education and Innovation Policy, Ibec

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. It will underpin Sligo’s designation as a Regional Growth Centre under the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027. The new TU for the west and north-west of Ireland is fully supported by Sligo County Council. Tom Kilfeather, Acting Chief Executive, Sligo County Council

Lifelong learning is the key to labour mobility. An agile and skilled workforce is the key to a sustainable, resilient economy and an equal society. Building on the establishment of the Atlantic Economic Corridor Network of more than 100 remote work and enterprise hubs we see the new TU as a vital partner in flexible learning and remote innovation, responding to employer and employee needs across and throughout the villages and towns of the west and the north-west. Tomás Ó Síocháin, CEO, Western Development Commission