Westmeath County Council wish to congratulate Athlone and Limerick Institutes of Technology on receiving the designation of Technological University from the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris TD.

This new Technological University promises to be transformative for the Midlands, offering increased educational access, attracting investment in research and development, and facilitating partnerships with local industry and business.

The creation of Ireland’s third Technological University marks the culmination of almost two years of work on the part of the AIT-LIT Consortium and the opening of a new chapter in higher education for the Midlands and Mid-West.

Students and communities across Westmeath and the Midlands have long benefitted from the educational, economic, and developmental opportunities provided by Athlone IT. The new Technological University’s increased scale and reach will allow students to receive an excellent standard of education locally while also creating opportunities for them on the regional, national, and international stage.

Cllr Ken Glynn, Cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, said:
“Today’s announcement is great news for Athlone, Westmeath, and the entire Midlands. The new Technological University will attract investment to Westmeath, create local jobs and produce skilled graduates to fill them. I would like to congratulate and thank the management, governing bodies, and staff of both AIT and LIT for this great achievement.”

Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, Mayor of the Municipal District of Athlone-Moate, said:
“Today is a huge day for Athlone as University status is finally confirmed for AIT. The benefits that will come from this for the town will be transformative; substantial new investment in the university, companies locating here because of the talent pool, more learning opportunities for our young people and so much more.”

Pat Gallagher, Chief Executive of Westmeath County Council, stated:
“Westmeath County Council welcomes and strongly supports the achievement of Technological University status by Athlone IT. I would like to express my very best wishes for the continued progress of this transformative project, which will further the development of Westmeath as part the joint Midlands/Mid-West region served by the new Technological University.”

Content Last Updated/Reviewed: 05/05/2021