Minister for Mental Health & Older People, Mary Butler TD, welcomed the Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris TD, to Waterford on Tuesday last for the official opening of the South East Technological University (SETU).
“Waterford Institute of Technology and IT Carlow have now been dissolved and a stand-alone university presence in the region has been created. We are witnessing a seismic shift for education in the South East this week with the establishment of SETU,” Minister Butler said.
“Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the reality that thousands of students left this region each year to attend university elsewhere. I believe that the establishment of SETU will be significant in reversing the brain drain trend we witnessed previously.
“Our bright young students now have the option to develop their potential and skills in the South East. I firmly believe that the educational future for young generations to come has now been secured as Waterford is now officially a University City”.
Speaking on his visit to Waterford, Minister Harris reiterated his belief that the headquarters of SETU will be in Waterford.
Minister Butler said that she is encourage to see Minister Harris double down on his belief of such, stating in a radio interview that it would “bonkers, mad and bizarre” for the headquarters to be based anywhere but Waterford.
“The establishment of SETU will bring with it more investment in Waterford and the South East. Further backing will be necessary for the expansion of the campus here to ensure that we build on this progress and provide more courses for more students,” Minister Butler added.
“I will also push for more funding for investing in research here in Waterford. There is huge potential and opportunity to develop the relationship between the new university and our business community,” she concluded.
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