Senator is optimistic over future of Mayo campus

MAYO Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin has welcomed the assurances she has received on the future of the GMIT campus in Castlebar from her Fine Gael colleague, Minister for Education and Skills, Richard Bruton.

She stated: 'I am delighted with the ministers assurances there is a solid future for the Mayo campus of GMIT. Having met with Dr. Fergal Barry, head of GMIT, and the local head of campus, Mr. Michael Gill, I believe they have a strong plan and vision for the Castlebar Campus.

“There are underlying issues and disparities as regards how the Institutes of Technology in general are funded compared to universities which sees them obtain a smaller portion from the government funding pot.

“These issues were acknowledged by the minister and I am satisfied that these issues are being reviewed with a view to bringing more equity to the funding of Institutes of Technology, towards levelling the playing field.

'With regard to GMIT and the Mayo campus, this college is critical for rolling out vital third-level courses in our region. I will be meeting Minister Bruton to follow up on this matter in the coming weeks.

“It is most important to acknowledge the excellent and successful ongoing courses which already exist on the Mayo campus and the hardworking staff delivering them.

'The government is fully committed to the future of the Castlebar campus. We all need to promote Mayo as a great place to receive a third-level education.”