The Atlantic Technological University was officially launched on Monday by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, creating one of the largest multi-campus universities in the country.
Speaking at a landmark event, which took place at ATU Sligo and was live-streamed to campuses in Galway, Mayo, and Donegal, Minister Harris told a large gathering of students, staff, and dignitaries — including ATU president Dr Orla Flynn and ATU chair Maura McNally — that the new technological university would play a pivotal role in the strategic regional development of the west and northwest.
Minister Harris said the launch marked the “start of a new journey” and added that the new ATU would become a “powerhouse” in the region.
“The establishment of Atlantic Technological University, the fourth TU in the State, is a significant occasion for higher education in Ireland and, in particular, for the west and northwest regions,” Minister Harris added. “I know today is a day of mixed emotions as we dissolve GMIT, IT Sligo, and Letterkenny IT but it should be a day of immense pride too to the management, governing authorities, and staff of the three institutions.
“Today is the start of a new journey,” the Minister continued. “Together these institutions will merge to become ATU - a powerhouse working for the region, for investment in the region and its people. Both Orla Flynn as president of the new TU, and Maura McNally as chair of the governing body, bring exceptional experience to the roles. I know they will work together to deliver real change and reform. This is a landmark that I am particularly glad to see reached, and I would like to congratulate all involved.”
The formation of ATU creates university campuses in counties Donegal, Sligo, and Mayo for the first time while giving Galway city a second university option. It also offers students in surrounding counties the option of a TU education.
ATU serves 21,000 students across eight campuses, research centres, and iHubs. The university is supported by 2,250 staff, delivering practice-oriented study and research.
Some 600-plus higher educational programmes are available at all levels of the National Framework of Qualifications, from apprenticeships to doctoral level qualifications.
Last month, Minister Harris designated Dr Orla Flynn as the first president of ATU - she was previously president of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
“Today is the beginning of an exciting journey for our entire Atlantic Technological University community, and I am looking forward to the challenge of bringing us together as one university to serve the needs of our unique region,” Dr Flynn said on Monday.
ATU’s new governing body met at ATU Letterkenny for the first time on Friday last to confirm Dr Flynn as president.
The governing body members are: Chair Maura McNally SC, chair of the Bar Council of Ireland; Oonagh Monahan, founder and managing director of Alpha Omega Consultants Ltd; Felim McNeela, founder of Avenue Mould Solutions; and Anne McHugh, chief executive of Donegal ETB and nominee of the three education and training boards in whose areas the TU campuses are located.
