Front row (L-R) Director of Engagement at DCU, Laura Mahoney, Vice President of Academic Affairs at DCU, Prof Lisa Looney, Executive Dean of the Institute of Education, Prof Anne Looney, Director of Further Education & Training, LMETB, Sadie Ward McDermott
Dublin City University and Louth and Meath Education and Training Board agree new partnership
The agreement was developed in response to the recommendations of the Geiran report, which set out an ambition to Create a bridge to a Better Future for Drogheda. The report explored the challenges presenting in the Drogheda catchment area, in addition to local strengths and resources. It also identified measures that could support community safety and chart a path to improved community wellbeing in and around Drogheda.
It will further expand the FET to HE pathways for graduates of DIFE in specific discipline areas and look to pilot a number of DCU courses which may be hosted and delivered in DIFE. It also identifies the expertise and supports that can be shared between LMETB, DIFE and DCU to support an appropriate mix of skills-related offerings in the region.
President of Dublin City University, Prof Daire Keogh said:
“DCU is deeply committed to the development of a unified system of Tertiary Education to maximise learner opportunity and regional prosperity.
Towards this end, and in response to the recommendations of the Geiran Report, I am delighted to sign this agreement with LMETB, and I look forward to a flourishing partnership which will enrich our region.”
Chief Executive of the LMETB, Martin G. O’Brien said
“LMETB looks forward to developing significant linkages between DCU and DIFE, which will further develop and enhance the excellent working relationships already established. This MOU will facilitate LMETB and DCU to work in partnership, toward the enhancement of tertiary provisions for the Drogheda and surrounding catchment area. The importance of providing pathways for FET Learners which enhance and further develop ease of access and opportunities for Learners to transition to HEI DCU provisions, is a significant development and is in keeping with the ambition of LMETB and the Department of Justice commissioned Geiran report.
LMETB looks forward to developing innovative partnerships with DCU which will enhance the tremendous offerings currently provided by FET Colleges such as DIFE, thereby enabling enhanced and increased responsiveness to the needs of the community and local economy served by LMETB.”
(L-R) Sadie Ward McDermott, Laura Mahoney, Prof Daire Keogh, Martin O'Brien, Sharon Tolan
Vice President of Academic Affairs in DCU, Prof Lisa Looney said
“I am pleased that DCU is able to enhance its support for students in the region and grow our existing pathways for students from Drogheda. We look forward to working together in support of this key government priority.”
Principal of DIFE Davy Mc Donnell, said
“The shared goals of DCU and DIFE will strengthen and shape the educational and skills ecosystem within Drogheda and the wider region.” Acknowledging the support of LMETB in establishing the partnership he affirmed the desire for “the partnership to grow and develop” and underlined the joint commitment to “create an education provision that will further deliver exceptional outcomes to local communities, helping to build a culture of aspiration and success for young people locally and across the region.”
About the LMETB
Louth and Meath Education and Training Board (LMETB) is the largest education and training provider in Louth and Meath, providing a broad range of education and training services to over 30,000 students and learners on an annual basis.
It manages 18 post-primary schools, 1 centre for European Schooling and 4 Community National Schools. It is responsible for an extensive range of Further Education and training provisions, including post Leaving Certificate courses/ apprenticeship programmes, traineeships, upskilling and reskilling programmes for those in employment, courses/ programmes for the unemployed, services to support industry, Adult Learning Services, Community Education, Back to Education Initiative and Adult Guidance and information services, Youth Services and Youth related programmes including Youthreach Centres, Community Training Centres, Local Training Initiatives and a range of part time and full time courses and programmes focused on both skills acquisition and health and wellbeing.
The Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence, providing innovative and unique responses to address the needs of industry. LMETB provides services to 14,000 students and in excess of 15,000 FET learners per annum.