Minister Canney welcomes senior leadership appointments at Atlantic Technological University

Angelina Nugent

25 Jan 2026

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 announcement of key appointments to the Senior Leadership Team at Atlantic Technological University, describing them as an important step in strengthening the university’s academic leadership, research capacity and regional impact.

The appointments include Dr Billy Bennett as Registrar and Chief Academic Officer, Dr Brendan Jennings as Chief Officer for Research, Innovation & Engagement, and the appointment of four new Faculty Deans: Dr Amelia Au-Yeung (Business), Professor Graham Heaslip (Engineering and Computing), Dr Paddy Tobin (Design, Education & Social Science) and Dr Joanne Gallagher (Science and Health).

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said the calibre and experience of the appointees reflects ATU’s ambition as a university of scale serving the west and northwest.

“ATU plays a vital role in education, skills development, research and regional growth across its nine campuses,” Minister Canney said. “These appointments bring together strong academic leadership, deep sectoral expertise and a clear focus on innovation and engagement with industry and communities.”

“As a former lecturer in GMIT, now ATU, I recognise the value of strong academic leadership. These appointments will help ensure ATU continues to deliver high-quality education, strengthen research and support regional development across the west and northwest.”

He said the appointments will support ATU in advancing excellence in teaching and learning, strengthening research and enterprise collaboration, and responding to the evolving needs of students, employers and communities.

Minister Canney also welcomed plans to recruit the remaining senior leadership roles in the coming months, noting that a fully established Senior Leadership Team will further strengthen the university’s capacity to deliver for the region.