Ireland’s newest university, Technological University Dublin (TUD or ‘TUDublin’) officially came into existence on 1st January 2019.

The university was formed by the merger of the Dublin, Tallaght and Blanchardstown institutes of technology.

Fórsa represents large numbers of staff in TUD and institutes of technology, and extended the union’s good wishes to all involved in the new university.

In an interview in the latest edition of Fórsa magazine senior general secretary designate Kevin Callinan said the new university marks a very significant change within the higher education sector, and Fórsa members have been deeply engaged with the process to create the new universities.

“Following quite quickly from the establishment of the new university in Dublin we’ll see the creation of the Munster technological university, and one for the South East with Carlow and Waterford institutes of technology, and the possibility of a Connacht/Ulster alliance of Letterkenny, Sligo and Galway/Mayo institutes shortly after.

“I think it should enable the sector to argue for a greater share of state funding for the technology part of the higher education sector. We’re affiliated to the Coalition for Public Funding for Higher Education, along with other unions and the USI, and there is a need to push the debate forward on funding higher education this year. 

“The opportunities that will emerge from the tech university sector, in terms of research, development and innovation could be significant for the Irish economy, provided there’s good leadership,” he said.

The latest edition of Fórsa magazine is available in your workplace. Alternatively, you can download a copy here.