Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the progress outlined today on the proposed strategic partnership between Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) and Queen’s University Belfast.

Minister Canney said the proposal represents “a significant step forward for higher education on the island of Ireland, strengthening cross-border collaboration, supporting regional development and expanding opportunities for students in the North-East.”

He noted that the model – where DkIT would become an autonomous, self-governing university college of Queen’s – builds on the Government’s ambition to enhance access, research capacity and innovation across regions.

“As a former lecturer in GMIT, now ATU, I have seen first-hand the impact that strong regional higher-education institutions can have on students, communities and local economies,” Minister Canney said. “This partnership has the potential to deliver similar benefits for the North-East, ensuring that learners and staff are protected while expanding academic and research opportunities.”

The Minister also welcomed the emphasis on maintaining DkIT’s autonomy under the Higher Education Authority Act, ensuring continuity of oversight, governance and quality assurance, while enabling the institute to grow within a strengthened academic framework.

He confirmed that the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science will now pursue the necessary policy and legislative preparations required for the proposal to progress to Government for decision.