Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen’s University Belfast in new cross-border collaboration

Student union representatives have welcomed the announcement.

President of DKIT Students Union Gerry O’Brien said this will mean education will become more accessible to more students.

Mr O’Brien said this will give “amazing opportunities” for the north-east region.

“For the region where Dundalk is located on the main M1 corridor, and its proximity to the border, it’s massive [news]. It really gives DKIT amazing opportunities for the whole region of the north east and students recognise that.

“It makes it so much more attractive to students to study here and to still be partnered with Queen’s Belfast.

“It makes it so much more accessible to all.”

Bryan O’Mahony, president of AMLE, the union of students in Ireland, said he would like to see more universities working together from both sides of the border.

“We welcome all cross border initiatives,” he said.

“It’s opening up more opportunities, more funding from the EU or the UK, this is opening up so much more opportunities for the students of Ireland.”