LETTERKENNY RTC appears to have put its troubles behind it. Among other advances, it is in stalling one of the most advanced computer networks in the country.

Based on a technology known as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), the network gives users the potential to pass full motion video, voice and video conferencing information at incredibly high speeds. TCD is the only other college in the State to have implemented ATM technology. At the heart of the network is a FORE systems ASX1000 ATM switch, supplied by CARA.

In traditional networks such as Ethernet, all the PCs on a network share 10MB per second of bandwidth. Letterkenny's new network will give each user 10MB per second, allowing a massive improvement in performance, greater speed on multimedia projects and high speed access to the Internet.

Letterkenny is also in the throes of structural developments: a new library and information centre, new lecture theatres and nine new 36 seat computer laboratories are all in varying stages of development. A new director is also set to be appointed this year.