Call for HQ of new university to be located in Mayo

The prospect of a university town in Castlebar is huge, according to Mayo Senator Lisa Chambers.

She stated: "People locally are really excited about the potential for the county and Castlebar in terms of this new development.

"I commend all three campuses, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, GMIT, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, LYIT and Institute of Technology Sligo for putting this proposal together. It is long awaited.

"They have put forward a fantastic application to the Minister for Higher Education, which I have no doubt will be progressed.

"It is my understanding we can look forward to the establishment of the Connacht-Ulster Alliance as early 2022, when students from across the west and north west will have an opportunity to attend a university in their locality.

"There is some work yet to be done. A governing body will need to be appointed which, ultimately, will make the decision on the layout of the campuses and courses and the location of the head office.

"I make a pitch today for the head office of the Connacht-Ulster Alliance to be located in County Mayo, but I am sure other counties will make a similar bid for it.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for the west and north west and is part of a wider government agenda for balanced regional development and the provision of top-class third level education for citizens and students across the island."