Ireland's tenth university was formally established in Munster today.
The Munster Technological University is the consortium of Cork IT and IT Tralee.
MTU will be home to six campuses and a student body of 18,000 students.
Hope you like our new MTU logo which is currently being updated on signage across our university campuses 😀 pic.twitter.com/gVNPpg7eYQ
— MTU Cork (@MTU_Cork) January 1, 2021
Student Union President of MTU and formally Cork IT Aisling O'Mahony says it will bring the best of the province together.
"It's about pooling together what's great in one county and what's great in another to make a 'super college' of sorts."
"Any students initiatives that benefit students in Cork will be translated to benefit students in Kerry and visa versa."
Ms O'Mahony hopes the move will attract students from home and abroad.
"Our students deserve to be recognised on an international level."
"And there'll be an opportunity post covid to attract international students."
While MTU will offer courses up to Level 10, Ms O'Mahony says their focus will remain practical.
Major day for higher education in Ireland as our newest university, @MTU_ie comes into being. A huge opportunity & investment for the South West. Wishing all staff & the 18,000 students the very best. Significant reform & milestone. Happy New Year pic.twitter.com/I9rfFJFpLx
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) January 1, 2021
"There's an opportunity for tradesmen and women, you can come in as an electrician and climb up to a level 10 degree."
"The opportunity is there for people who want to climb the ladder, that's what's unique about a technological university."
