“DkIT Becoming a University is Transformational for the County of Louth” 

Fianna Fáil TD for Louth Erin McGreehan has welcomed the announcement of a major new partnership that will establish Dundalk Institute of Technology as a University College of Queen’s University Belfast, stating that this is a “transformational day for the County of Louth.”

A formal agreement is expected in December 2025, with the new University College planned to be fully operational for the 2026 academic year. From September 2026 students enrolling at DkIT will study within Queen’s academic and quality assurance frameworks and will graduate with a Queen’s University Belfast degree or postgraduate qualification.

Speaking on the announcement Deputy McGreehan stated:

“This will have an untold impact on the future of this county.”

“As a proud Louth woman this is inspirational to see, it will bring the level of education in DkIT to the next level and it will be right on our doorstep.

“I have always been hugely ambitious for what DkIT can offer as an institution and I have consistently championed a change in its status, as it was the only institute of technology that had not yet achieved university status.

“This move will not only see the growth and excel of DkIT it will also expand opportunities for student and researcher mobility, foster innovation and further support delivery of regional balance.

“There is a real sense of pride in Louth at the moment, as the county feels like it is going through its own renaissance period. Our sporting success has already lifted spirits and now the addition of a university strengthens that feeling that Louth is growing in confidence and standing.

Concluding, Deputy McGreehan stated:

“I want to thank the Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless for the work he has done to drive this project forward.

“I will continue to work closely with him as the partnership develops to ensure the institute grows in strength and influence within the technological sector in Ireland.”

END

Note to Editor:

As part of the new partnership between Queen’s University Belfast and DkIT the collaboration will:

• Expand high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate provision in the North-East region.
• Integrate DkIT’s academic programmes within Queen’s academic framework, with shared quality assurance and programme approval.
• Work to establish a Joint Research and Innovation Centre (Hub) on the Dundalk campus, with yet to be agreed lead projects in areas such as health and life sciences, energy and sustainability.
• Create new opportunities for student mobility, skills development, and shared learning across the island.
• Support enhanced research collaboration, industry partnerships, and access to new funding opportunities.
• Contribute to the competitiveness and strategic development of the Dublin–Belfast Corridor.