Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT ) and Mayo County Council recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU ) setting out plans for the two organisations to work closely together on projects of strategic importance across a range of mutually beneficial areas and to promote sustainable partnerships.
At the heart of the understanding is 'a determination and clear focus to collaborate on projects that promote Mayo as an attractive place in which to live, work, study, and visit'.
These collaborations may include: joint marketing and promotion of mutually beneficial initiatives; access to specific facilities and resources for GMIT students and staff of both organisations; collaboration on research, innovation and entrepreneurship projects; collaboration on joint conferences and other events of public interest; co-development of physical facilities on or adjacent to the GMIT Mayo campus; and collaboration on proposals under various national competitive funding calls including, inter alia, the Regional Enterprise Development Fund, the Urban Regeneration & Development Fund and the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund.
Commenting on the new partnership with GMIT, Kevin Kelly, chief executive at Mayo County Council, said: "In signing this Memorandum of Understanding between Mayo County Council and Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, it signifies our ongoing commitment to proactively work together to promote Mayo as a great place in which to study, live, work and visit. The value of a third-level institution in our county cannot be overstated and we look forward to building upon and strengthening this relationship to ensure the best outcomes for the county."
Dr Orla Flynn, President of Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT ), added: "GMIT and Mayo County Council have historically enjoyed a strong working relationship leading to many benefits for those working and living in County Mayo. I am delighted to see our mutual commitment formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, and I look forward to seeing the full range of expertise in GMIT harnessed for the benefit of our Mayo stakeholders."
Justin Kerr, VP for the GMIT Mayo Campus and Head of School of Health Science, Wellbeing & Society, added: "As GMIT progresses with its partners in IT Sligo and Letterkenny IT towards becoming a Technological University, there will be exciting times ahead, and I expect to see further dividends for Mayo, including growth at the GMIT Mayo campus."
John Magee, Director of services at Mayo County Council, said: "GMIT’s Mayo campus has long been recognised as an incredibly important asset for the county and this formal agreement between Mayo County Council and GMIT commits both parties to working together into the future.
"The anticipated establishment of a Technological University involving GMIT, Sligo IT & Letterkenny IT will make Mayo a university county for the first time. This will present a range of opportunities for collaboration and we look forward to deepening our relationship for the good of the whole of the county."
