It was confirmed this morning that Queen’s University Belfast and Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) have announced a groundbreaking partnership between the two colleges.
This will also be the first cross border university of its type in this country.
It means that anyone who goes to DKIT can obtain a degree from Queens which is recognised worldwide.
Louth Fine Gael Deputy Paula Butterly welcomed the move.She said it will deliver a range of benefits, which includes increased educational opportunities, strengthened research capabilities, and vibrant community engagement.
She believes the partnership will foster enhanced collaboration between academia, industry, and local communities.h.
Deputy Butterly added:” The joint efforts aim to attract students, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across Ireland and beyond, that supports economic development and social cohesion. The partnership underscores the commitment of both institutions to invest in Dundalk’s future and to unlock its full potential as a centre of learning and innovation.
“This collaboration will open new doors for young people, entrepreneurs, and the wider community.”
Drogheda Labour TD, Ged Nash says that Dundalk IT’s establishment as a University College of Queen’s University Belfast is a game-changer for third-level education in the North-East and he would like to see movement towards the establishment of a satellite college campus of this new institution, in Drogheda.
He said: “I would like to congratulate DkIT for this huge step towards the long-held ambition of university status.From the 2026 academic year, it will now provide access to prestigious Queen’s University degrees.
“I will be seeking a briefing from the President on the precise implications of the move for existing and future students and for staff, but on the face of it, this looks like an exciting and game-changing project that will at last provide a University College in the North-East. I am also anxious to establish where this now leaves the relationship that the Institute was working to establish with Maynooth University, a college that is attended by a considerable number of Louth and Meath-based students.”
Deputy Nash added: “This should only be the beginning though, not an end in itself. I would like to see this new institution grow and cross-border ties with Queen’s University expanded to a point where we can have a satellite campus in Drogheda.
“A town of Drogheda’s size needs a third-level institution and DkIT has pointed the way towards progress with this new and innovative agreement with Queen’s University.”
Senator Alison Comyn said the new partnership will be officially signed next month and will be fully operational for 2026 Academic year.
She said:” This is a fantastic development and a major boost for Louth. It is transformative and gives our students access to world class university qualifications right on their doorstep and strengthens the economic future of the entire region.”
