Minister for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler, welcomed the Education Minister, Simon Harris, to Waterford recently for the official opening of the South East Technological University (SETU).
Commenting on the visit, Minister Butler said: “ We are witnessing a seismic shift for education in the South East this week with the establishment of SETU.
“Unfortunately, we are all too familiar with the reality that thousands of students left this region each year to attend university elsewhere.
significant in reversing the brain drain trend
“I believe the establishment of SETU will be significant in reversing the brain drain trend we witnessed previously.
“Our bright young students now have the option to develop their potential and skills in the South East.
“I firmly believe that the educational future for young generations to come has now been secured as Waterford is now officially a University City. Speaking on his visit to Waterford, Minister Harris reiterated his belief that the headquarters of SETU will be in Waterford.
Minister Butler added: “I am encouraged to see Minister Harris double down on his radio interview with WLR on his last visit to Waterford in February in which he stated that it would ‘bonkers, mad and bizarre’ for he HQ to be based anywhere but Waterford.
‘bonkers, mad and bizarre’ for he HQ to be based anywhere but Waterford
“The decision will ultimately be down to the governing authority however, but I am hopeful that a determination will be made sooner rather than later and Waterford should be the clear preference.
“The establishment of SETU,” Minister Butler concluded, “will bring with it more investment in Waterford and the South East. Further backing will be necessary for the expansion of the campus here to ensure that we build on this progress and provide more courses for more students.
“I will also push for more funding for investing in research here in Waterford. There is huge potential and opportunity to develop the relationship between the new university and our business community.”
