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A consortium of existing institutes of technology has put in a bid to become Ireland¡¯s first technological university.

The creation of such institutions forms part of the government¡¯s plan to drive regional economic growth and development under the Ireland Project 2040.

Four separate consortia of institutes of technology hope to be so designated, although the proposed Munster Technological University, Connacht Ulster Alliance and Technological University for?the South-East are at an earlier stage in the process. Now, however, the Higher Education Authority has submitted to ministers a report and recommendations regarding the Technological University for Dublin (TU4Dublin) Alliance, consisting of the Dublin Institute of Technology, Institute of Technology Blanchardstown and Institute of Technology Tallaght.

In welcoming the progress that TU4Dublin has made, Richard Bruton, minister for education and skills, said: ¡°Technological universities are a crucial part of this government¡¯s drive to build strong regional hubs, which will be the engine of our economy. I welcome this application as a key stage in the process and I will now consider the submission. It is my intention to communicate my proposed decision to TU4Dublin by the end of July.¡±

Factors that he will take into account, as set out in the Technological Universities Act 2018, include the needs of students, business and other local stakeholders; demographic trends; resources available to the applicant institutes; and financial viability.

matthew.reisz@timeshighereducation.com