Dundalk IT confirms discussions with Maynooth University on possible collaboration

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) has confirmed that it is in "informal discussions" with Maynooth University (MU) regarding future collaborations.

In a statement from DkIT it said that it has "expressed an interest in having discussions with MU about potential future collaborations."

DkIT, along with Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology, are the only two remaining Institutes of Technology who have not achieved Technological University (TU) status.

DkIT President, Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, who began his role this year, was previously President of the Institute of Technology, Blanchardstown from September 2016 to January 2019, and Campus Principal in Technological University Dublin – Blanchardstown Campus, from January 2019 to September 2021.

Dr O’Callaghan spent two years working full-time with the TU4Dublin alliance, preparing the three founding institutes for designation as the State’s first Technological University – TU Dublin. Diarmuid was Registrar of the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (2000-2014).

In the statement from DkIT, it said that "one of the key tasks of Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan when he took up the position of President of DkIT was to explore the Institute’s options in becoming a campus of a multi-campus university or a technological university.

"This core objective has been on-going from the start of his tenure when he put in place a small exploratory team which includes Vice President Irene McCausland, Dr Edel Healy and himself along with support from the Executive Board and Governing Body."

The statement added, "DkIT’s fundamental vision of a future collaboration is to enhance and build on the higher education offering for our learners, staff and communities. A potential partnership will have shared objectives to ensure any collaboration respects both Institutes roots whilst bringing innovation and best practices to meet future needs."

The Institute hopes to have further details on the potential collaboration with MU in September.