Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has congratulated Atlantic Technological University (ATU) after it was recognised among the top five per cent of higher education institutions globally for the first time.
ATU, which has campuses across Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal, is just the second Technological University in Ireland to be included in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
The rankings are among the most influential assessments of university performance internationally, examining areas including teaching, research, international outlook and industry engagement.
Minister Canney, who is a former lecturer at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT), now ATU, said the achievement was significant for the West and North-West.
He said: “This is a tremendous achievement for ATU and a real recognition of the quality of education, research and innovation taking place across the university.
“As a former lecturer there, I have a particular appreciation of the important role the institution has played over many years in providing opportunities for students and supporting the wider economic and social development of our region.
“ATU has achieved a huge amount since becoming a Technological University just over four years ago, while remaining firmly connected to the communities and regions it serves.
“This international recognition is a credit to President Dr Orla Flynn and to the staff, students and researchers across ATU. It will also strengthen the university’s international profile and create further opportunities for research collaboration, global partnerships and attracting students to the West and North-West.”
Minister Canney also acknowledged the continued strong performance of the University of Galway, which remains among the top 400 universities globally.
He added: “To have both ATU and the University of Galway recognised in these influential international rankings is very positive for Galway and the wider West of Ireland and reflects the strength and quality of higher education in our region.”
