From Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science
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The Minister Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris, today (16 November 2021) invited expressions of interest from suitably-qualified and experienced candidates, for consideration for nomination as Chairperson and Ordinary Members of the first Governing Body of the new Technological University for the West and Northwest.
Minister Harris highlighted the importance of these positions:
“The establishment of the new Technological University for the West and Northwest is another milestone in the development of higher education in Ireland. In addition to ensuring accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities, the role of the first Governing Body of the new Technological University will be central to the development and implementation of the institution’s strategic direction and the achievement of its objectives. I would encourage candidates who have the necessary skills and experience to submit an expression of interest for these exciting roles.”
The process of filling these vacancies is being managed by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Expressions of interest will be assessed before the Minister is provided with a shortlist of candidates who are deemed to be suitable for appointment to the governing body, from which the Minister will make his selection.
Interested persons should read the detailed information booklet . Expressions of interest may be made by submitting a curriculum vitae and detailed cover letter to boardvacancies@dfheris.gov.ie .
The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 10 December 2021.
A new Technological University is being established in the West and Northwest region upon dissolution of the Galway-Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny Institutes of Technology. The new TU is anticipated to be established in late Quarter 1 or early Quarter 2 of 2022 subject to relevant legislative processes being completed.
Providing higher educational programmes across all levels of the National Framework of Qualifications including apprenticeships and doctoral degrees, the new TU will play a pivotal role in the strategic development of the West and North West and in so doing, would ensure a global outlook and a civic centric value system.
A unique characteristic of the region is its proximity to Northern Ireland. Cross-border economic activity plays a large role in driving growth within this region and it is estimated that approximately 15,000 people cross the border for work or study each day.
A significant history of cross-border collaboration exists among the partner institutions that are merging to form the new TU. The National Development Plan recognises Derry, Letterkenny and Strabane as the North West City Region. The North West Region of the island of Ireland, centred on Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council, is the fourth largest urban agglomeration on the island of Ireland. It is the only functional economic region of such scale on the island which experiences a national jurisdictional border. The new TU will continue and deepen cross-border engagement that is strategically important both to the TU’s own development and to the development of the wider cross-border region.
These positions are not remunerated. Travel and subsistence allowances will be paid in respect of journeys undertaken to attend meetings of the governing body or to transact its business.
Appointment to the first Governing Body will be for a period of two years. This is in line with the provisions of Section 55 (5)(a) of Technological University Act 2018 .