New progression routes to third level explored

Cavan-Monaghan ETB is in talks with Dundalk Institute of Technology, Atlantic Technical University (Letterkenny), and Wrexham University in the UK with a view to developing new progression routes for third level learners.

"Creating these links is a significant step in providing learners with enhanced opportunities,” a spokesperson for the local education body informed The Anglo-Celt.

It follows a request from Minister for Further and Higher Education, Simon Harris.

The pathways that could be established are aimed at giving learners in Cavan and Monaghan the opportunity to undertake degree programmes locally “and/or to progress into years two and three of programmes at higher education institutes”.

Members of the ETB Board were informed of the development at their May monthly meeting at Blacklion’s Loughan House.

It was stated at the meeting that engagement has already taken place with Dr Fiona McGrath, chief executive of CMETB and the CEO of Louth-Meath, Martin O’Brien, attending a meeting with DKIT and ATU representatives.

Three institutes – GMIT, LYIT and IT Sligo – situated on the western and northwestern seaboard stretching from North Donegal to South Galway in eight separate locations, form ATU.

DkIT, meanwhile, is the focal point for higher education and research on the Belfast-Dublin corridor, and Wrexham Glyndwr University in North-East Wales is among the top ranked in the UK in terms of student satisfaction in 2023.