LIMERICK Institute of Technology’s (LIT) newest campus, situated on Bindon Street, Ennis, Co. Clare, was officially opened today by Minister Pat Breen TD.
LIT, Ennis Campus has been a centre of learning for students in disciplines as diverse as Social Care Work, Early Childhood Education & Care as well as Marketing and Management since it opened its doors in September, 2019.
An investment of approximately €1 million was made on the former vacant building in the town’s historic centre to bring it to the standard required by a modern education campus. Refurbishment work was carried out by Jada Projects Ltd.
Speaking at the opening, LIT President, Professor Vincent Cunnane said LIT’s offering in Ennis will reflect demand locally.
“This is a sign of our commitment to Ennis, and we are delighted to be able to progress our plans in Clare. We intend to provide an expanded level of daytime undergraduate education through the CAO, as well as opening up the possibility of new evening courses and professional education.
“Crucially, by allowing us to broaden our offering, this new facility adds to the educational options available to people locally, while at the same time enabling us to respond to the needs of business and industry in Clare. As those needs grow, so too will our response.”
Reflecting LIT’s regional development remit, the LIT Ennis campus will join LIT’s existing campuses at Clonmel and Thurles in Co. Tipperary; and Moylish and Clare Street in Limerick City.
“LIT has a very strong regional focus, and this new campus emphasises that. Our model is based on partnership, and we have successfully worked in partnership with Clare County Council to source the new campus building on Bindon Street. That approach will anchor our expansion in Ennis, as well as further collaboration with LCETB and other stakeholders,” added Professor Cunnane.
Officially opening the new campus, Minister Breen said, “The new campus is a welcome addition to the county town. LIT is not just as a provider of an internationally recognised third level education, but is a driver of economic development.
“LIT is renowned for its flexibility and willingness to engage with employers in the Mid West region. It’s researchers, as well as its educators, have an open-door policy when it comes to working with local industry and business. And this working relationship has ensured that more than 94% of last year’s LIT graduates across disciplines as diverse as STEM, social sciences, fashion, art, law, business, hospitality and the culinary arts took up employment or further education almost immediately. Reports also show that three-quarters of LIT’s graduates remain in the Mid West region, working primarily in counties Clare, Limerick and Tipperary.”
Jimmy Browne, LIT’s Vice President for Corporate Services & Capital Development said, “The new LIT Campus in Ennis came about as a result of a strong working relationship between Clare County Council and LIT. I would like to commend the council for its foresight in prioritising the attraction of a Third Level Institution to Ennis as a key objectives. The local authority’s investment in the facilities on Bindon Street, enabled LIT to deliver the education programmes and drive activity.”
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council, said, “This new LIT campus will complement our objective of increasing third level educational activities in the county, while our partnership with LIT will continue to promote the advancement of educational opportunities for people in Clare and the Region. This, in turn, will sustain population growth and new employment opportunities.”
Deputy Mayor of Clare, Cllr Clare Colleran Molloy said, “I am delighted that this new third-level educational campus in Clare will open up new opportunities for school leavers and mature learners in Clare and the Mid West. LIT, Ennis Campus is also having a significant, positive economic impact for Ennis, contributing to greater footfall in the town centre and the regeneration of a building that has been vacant for over a decade.
A total of eight-degree programmes are now available through the CAO at LIT Ennis Campus. For further information see www.lit.ie.
