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A meeting of the Chambers of the South East Region took place last evening (Wednesday, October 5) in Waterford to discuss the issue of a University for the South East region.
Announcing that universal agreement had been reached amongst the Chambers to collaborate on seeking a University for the South East the group of Chambers will be seeking to meet as a group with political representatives in Dail Eireann to press the case for a university of the South East.
The nine South East Chambers which represent a region with almost half a million people have identified that a key priority for economic recovery of the region is the designation of a Technological University of the South East. Many of the population in the region are disadvantaged by not having the same access as other regions to a University. University designation will lead to improved links between industry and education and strengthen the indigenous industrial sector by promoting opportunities for increased levels of Research and Development.
The ESRI estimated that higher levels of education added at least one per cent to economic growth each year in the 1990s. The South East has traditionally had lower levels of educational attainment at third level that the rest of the country and there is no doubt that this has contributed to the fact that the economic performance of the South East has lagged behind the rest of the country.
Commenting at the event Anne Marie Caulfield, President of the Waterford Chamber, said “The lack of University Status is a roadblock to our economic development in the Southeast; as third level education has been, and will continue to be, a key driving force in generating economic activity. As far back as 2005 Goodbody Economic Consultants identified that a University would bring in excess of €96m annually into the economy of the South East which is surely one of the strongest arguments for University designation for the region.
In the South East, there has also been an absence of a strategic economic development plan and the uneven spread of access to Universities is unacceptable. Ireland is a small economy, and of course, we have to think in terms of the national economy but it is also true that it regional economies working well together have much to contribute to national economic development.
Key to the development of the South East will be University designation which will attract and retain people in the region, who in turn create employment spin off, and are also innovators and entrepreneurs themselves. It is that self-reinforcing process, the opposite of people leaving to find opportunity elsewhere, which will form the base for southeast regional development.” |
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Waterford Chamber of Commerce has expressed concern at the government’s delay in the establishment of a Technological University in the South East and now asks that a commitment to a time frame for delivery of the Technological University is agreed.
It was reported on Friday, September 9 that the government had moved to “accelerate” setting up a university in the south-east, with Waterford IT likely to be upgraded to full university status under the proposals. The discussion at cabinet level came in the wake of 575 job losses at the Talk Talk call centre in Waterford– where campaigns have been ongoing for the local Institute of Technology to be given university status for many years.
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Waterford City Council are in the process of formulating the new City Development Plan for 2013-2019 and are inviting businesses to contribute through consultation and submissions. The City Council has published a Draft Issues and Options Paper, which is a high-end, non-technical look at the core issues that will be part of the 1st draft of the City Development Plan which will be ready in April 2012.
The City Council is inviting submissions to this Draft Issues and Options Paper, with a deadline of 5th August 2011. Businesses can still engage and make further submissions throughout the whole process of completing the City Development Plan after this initial submissions deadline date. Submissions can be emailed to
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or posted to Colette Byrne, Ref: City Development Plan, Waterford City Council, The Mall, Waterford.
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An Taoiseach confirms Support for a University of the South East during Waterford Chamber Visit
As part of An Taoiseach’s visit to Waterford during the Tall Ships Festival, Taoiseach Enda Kenny met with Waterford Chamber of Commerce to discuss the underlying concerns of the business community in the City.
On meeting with Waterford Chamber President and Board members An Taoiseach confirmed his support for a University of the South East. Stating that the University is in the Programme for Government An Taoiseach hoped that a decision would be made shortly to the Region’s benefit.
According to Waterford Chamber President, Anne Marie Caulfield, “We were delighted to meet with an Taoiseach. The meeting went well, we outlined the key priorities for Waterford City including very high unemployment levels which are running at above the national norm, the importance of South East University designation as an economic driver of the future, optimisation of our Port as a key transport link, Tourism as a real driver of economic growth supported by the Airport and investment into broadband. An Taoiseach agreed with the designation of the University of the South East and we must now continue to focus on achieving this critical service for the South East region.”
An Taoiseach stated that the next 12 to 18 months would be challenging but the outlook for investment in Ireland is positive. Speaking about the Government’s Jobs Initiative and Internship scheme An Taoiseach it was important that business did its part to support these initiatives designed to get people back to work by giving internship placements. Responding Chamber President Anne Marie Caulfield said that business in Waterford would not be found wanting.
The Taoiseach also spoke of his motto ‘S.I.O’ Sort It Out and how he intends to focus on building a strong South East reputation through government commitments and working with the people of the South East. |
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Waterford Chamber CEO Michael Garland met with the Minister for Small Business, John Perry TD on Thursday, 7th April as part of a Chamber CEO Forum. The Minister stayed with the group for an hour and a half answering questions from all the regional Chambers. We had a very frank and honest discussion with the Minister and he has promised an ongoing dialogue with all the Chambers who attended this CEO Forum.
Speaking after the meeting, Minister Perry thanked Chambers Ireland for inviting him to their CEO Forum to hear at first hand, the issues affecting Chamber members.
‘Enterprise development and job creation are recognised, by both the Government and Chambers Ireland, as key issues to economic recovery’, Minister Perry said.
In his address to the CEO Forum Minister Perry outlined the various proposals contained in the Programme for Government, designed to support businesses, including the establishment of the Jobs Fund which will be delivered within the Government’s first 100 days in office.
He also outlined other initiatives to assist access to credit; extending the 15 day prompt payment period to the wider public sector in order to assist cash flow and working capital; reducing costs and administrative burdens placed on business.
Minister Perry said: ‘by appointing a Minister for Small Business, the Government is clearly highlighting the importance of small businesses to the economy. I look forward to working with Chambers Ireland during my term in office. By working together in partnership, we can and will, get the economy working’, Minister Perry concluded. |
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