Dublin City University and the Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) announced a new agreement yesterday that will see the university support the LMETB and Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE) deliver third level education programmes in Drogheda.
The agreement will also support the development of stronger links between Further Education and Training (FET) and Higher Education (HE) including Advanced Entry to DCU programmes.
The agreement was developed in response to the recommendations of the Geiran report, which set out an ambition to create a bridge to a better future for Drogheda.
The new agreement will further expand the FET to HE pathways for graduates of DIFE in specific discipline areas and look to pilot a number of DCU courses which may be hosted and delivered in DIFE. It also identifies the expertise and supports that can be shared between LMETB, DIFE and DCU to support an appropriate mix of skills-related offerings in the region.
President of Dublin City University, Prof Daire Keogh said: “DCU is deeply committed to the development of a unified system of Tertiary Education to maximise learner opportunity and regional prosperity.
“Towards this end, and in response to the recommendations of the Geiran Report, I am delighted to sign this agreement with LMETB, and I look forward to a flourishing partnership which will enrich our region.”
The Chief Executive of the LMETB, Martin G. O’Brien said: “LMETB looks forward to developing significant linkages between DCU and DIFE, which will further develop and enhance the excellent working relationships already established.
“This MOU will facilitate LMETB and DCU to work in partnership, toward the enhancement of tertiary provisions for the Drogheda and surrounding catchment area. The importance of providing pathways for FET Learners which enhance and further develop ease of access and opportunities for Learners to transition to HEI DCU provisions, is a significant development and is in keeping with the ambition of LMETB and the Department of Justice commissioned Geiran report.
Pictured at yesterday’s signing were: Back row (L-R) David Mc Donnell, Michael Keogh, Senator Erin McGreehan, Fergus O’Dowd TD, Shane Williams and Ged Nash TD. Front row (L-R) are Sadie Ward McDermott, Laura Mahoney, Prof Daire Keogh, Martin O’Brien and Cllr. Sharon Tolan.
LMETB looks forward to developing innovative partnerships with DCU which will enhance the tremendous offerings currently provided by FET Colleges such as DIFE, thereby enabling enhanced and increased responsiveness to the needs of the community and local economy served by LMETB.”
Principal of DIFE Davy Mc Donnell, said: “The shared goals of DCU and DIFE will strengthen and shape the educational and skills ecosystem within Drogheda and the wider region.”
Acknowledging the support of LMETB in establishing the partnership he affirmed the desire for “the partnership to grow and develop” and underlined the joint commitment to “create an education provision that will further deliver exceptional outcomes to local communities, helping to build a culture of aspiration and success for young people locally and across the region.”
