Teachers Union welcomes Dundalk IT–Queen’s University Partnership

The Dundalk branch of the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has welcomed the announcement of a new partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen’s University Belfast. In a statement, the union highlighted the Institute’s long-standing role in driving educational, economic, and community development in the northeast, and said it is ready to engage constructively in the next phase of the process.

In a statement the DkIT TUI Branch Committee said:

“The TUI notes the announcement of the partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Queens University Belfast to establish a University College. We can appreciate QUB's enthusiasm for linking with the Institute. DkIT has played a critical role in developing the region’s educational and economic landscape. 

“Vitally important industry and community links have been forged over time and DkIT has supported innovation that benefits enterprises in the region. Moreover, the Dundalk IT Branch of the TUI has long campaigned, up to and including undertaking industrial action, to pursue and ensure that the Institute achieves University status for the benefit of our students, staff, and the wider northeast region. 

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“Therefore we welcome a  development which aligns with the union's long sought after goal of University status for the Institute. We look forward to constructively engaging with local management in a process of meaningful consultation as we move toward the shared goal of University status while seeking to ensure the qualities that have made DkIT such a successful Institution in serving the needs and interest of students, staff and the wider northeast region are maintained as we move into a new era. 

“We trust that staff and students' voices will be central to this process of transformation and any concerns addressed in a meaningful and inclusive way to ensure the maximum possibility of the creation of a successful and sustainable University in Dundalk. “