Commitments given by both Taoiseach and Tánaiste to expanding the footprint of the existing institute in Waterford in advance of launch of TUSE.
Waterford TD Marc Ó Cathasaigh has welcomed commitments given by both Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar to expanding the footprint of the existing institute in Waterford in advance of the launch of the Technical University of the South East (TUSE).
‘With a timeline for the application in very much in place, the twin issues of capital investment in the Waterford campus and the location of the headquarters of the new university take on an added urgency.’
Deputy Ó Cathasaigh gave a particular welcome to the Tánaiste’s reference to the Waterford Crystal site in Dáil last Thursday, pointing out that the potential purchase of the landmark site would add significantly to the footprint of the existing campus and would play a significant part in consolidating services for the new entity.
‘I fought hard for the TUSE project to be explicitly mentioned during Programme for Government negotiations last summer and have been working towards this goal with government colleagues since. While I understand the argument to be made for developing new buildings on a greenfield site in Carriganore, it is my opinion that adding the landmark Waterford Crystal site to the current WIT campus would be a logical step. It is a landmark site, and its dereliction in recent years has blighted the entry to our city.
‘Expanding the WIT campus into the old Waterford Crystal site would serve to consolidate a large campus at one location rather than having a fragmented campus throughout the city as the college expands within the new Technical University of the South East entity. It would maintain and strengthen the connection of the college to its surrounding communities and the city itself, bringing student spend closer to the urban centre. The college will have the option of adding campus accommodation, campus services or key educational infrastructure on this landmark site which extends from the Cork Road at the front, runs adjacent to Mattie’s Hill and covers an area of 36 acres.”
‘Where the Headquarters of the new TUSE entity is based will ultimately be a matter for the TUSE board but the only option that makes sense is to locate it in Waterford – the regional city. Waterford City is the regional driver for the South East and with work commencing on the North Quays project, this position will only be reinforced. I have spoken with Minister Harris on the HQ issue on numerous occasions and have impressed on him the need for the TUSE to be headquartered in Waterford. I also raised it with our coalition partners during Programme for Government negotiations and have spoken about it on the floor of the Dáil. I will continue to work towards this solution which is clearly the best option for the TUSE and our region.’
