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Waterford Chamber has stated that the content of the Hunt Report was a “mixed bag” for Waterford and the South East Region.
Tom Murran, Chamber President, commented, “The Chamber is extremely disappointed that the Hunt Report has stated that there is no case of the establishment of any new Universities on the basis set out in section 9 of the University Act, 1997. WIT applied under that Section for University Status in February, 2006 and the persistent inability or unwillingness of Government to make a decision, one way or the other, is to be deplored. Waterford City is the Gateway City of the South East and Waterford Chamber with the other Chambers of the Region will continue to lobby for a University of the South East.
We welcome the proposal of the cluster model of Institutes to amalgamate with a view to progressing to achieve status as a Technological University. The report says the cluster model complements the National Spatial Strategy and will assist in developing shared solutions to local and regional development. We will support WIT in its efforts to enter into negotiations with other Institutes with a view to advancing its status as a University, whether of the traditional mode or of the new Technological variety.”
Michael Garland, Waterford Chamber added, “I would agree that the Hunt Report was a mixed bag for Waterford and the Region. I would add that for the Region to be promoted as an area for investment, job creation, education and lifestyle we need to have very strong third level representation. If in the short term a Technological University for the South East is the only viable option then so be it. But ultimately we must keep pressing for a University of the South East and all the associated benefits this would bring to the City and Region.”
Orm Kenny, Chairperson of the Access South East Project commented, “In our recently launched report of the 318 businesses surveyed in the south east, representing 11,000 employees, the clear number one priority of at least 33% of the businesses surveyed was University status of WIT. It is clear from our research that the benefits of a University to the Region will aid much needed economic development. To this extent it is vital for the South East Region that we must keep lobbying for University status for WIT.” |
