Its time for a University of the South East

Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada spoke has backed calls for a Technical University of the South East. She made the comments in Brussels this week during a meeting with a delegation of Masters students from WIT.

The Ireland South MEP also addressed issues such the often cost of third-level education; the need for fair and equal access and the general rise in the cost of living for students and young workers.

“Just last week my colleague, TD David Cullinane, published a comprehensive discussion document on then need for a Technological University of the Southeast. “David’s document argued that it is crucial that a Technological University of the Southeast has the ability to borrow, receives baseline funding for R&D, is independent and is fully autonomous.

“The entire South East has been neglected and let down by successive Governments. This much is clear from the above average unemployment rate in the region; from the downgrading of hospitals across the South East; and from the lack of political will amongst Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and independents to address these issues.

“The creation of a modern, progressive and research-focused Technological University for the South East would create jobs, provide opportunities, and act as a driver as a high-tech economic growth in the region. We have the institutions, we have the expertise and we have the demand. What we need now is action.

“David has been holding meeting with all stakeholders involved in the endeavour to secure a Technological University for the region; I have offered whatever assistance I can from Europe but I also urged the young people there, and indeed would urge young people right across the south east, to get involved in that campaign. Write to your local representatives, organise in your schools and clubs and make it clear that you will not tolerate this lack of infrastructure any longer.”