Madam, - The south-east of Ireland is the largest area in Britain and Ireland without a university. This lack reflected in the low level of higher educational attainment in the region as well as the disproportionate dependence on blue-collar manufacturing jobs.
Given the ever increasing pressures on manufacturing industry, the need for access to third-level and, particularly, fourth-level education has never been greater. This would facilitate the knowledge economy and meet lifelong learning needs as well as helping to attract high calibre research and development organisations.
Waterford Institute of Technology has done tremendous work, but needs to be upgraded to full University status if the huge untapped potential of the south-east region is to be realised. - Yours, etc,
Dr MARK ROWE, Kilotteran, Waterford.