Page 19 - Sligo X North West

We can achieve more together
A ‘Team Sligo’ approach is driving development and more
of it is needed, says IT Sligo Head of Innovation Niall McEvoy.
‘Peripherality’ is a major bonus to Sligo’s tourism offering, at-
tracting visitors to our beautiful
landscape, pristine coastline and our relaxed and pleasant environ-
ment.
That same peripherality works against
enterprise development within the region – which has struggled over the last six years of economic downturn.
While we are blessed with some world- class employers such as Abbvie, Abbott, LotusWorks, Masonite and others, it’s clear that Foreign Direct Investment is increas- ingly drawn towards Dublin.
In fact the development of the motor- way system has brought inward invest- ment gains to Dundalk and Athlone
– given their ease of access to Dublin Airport.
There are some great examples of tack- ling obstacles and I’d like to cite IT Sligo as a great example of how to turn a “disad- vantage” into a strength.
The population catchment area around IT Sligo; Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal, North Mayo and Roscommon contains the lowest population density of any Institute of Technology in Ireland.
Faced with a restricted pool of poten- tial students some far-sighted lecturers viewed the development of the internet as a potential game changer.
So from very humble beginnings and very little capital investment, IT Sligo developed a range of courses designed specifically to be delivered anywhere with internet access.
The early programmes started in the days of dial-up internet and the develop- ment of improved connectivity increased the quality, quantity and reach of those online programmes.
Now IT Sligo is the national leader in online learning and a quarter of our stu- dents access their courses online.
That same model of accepting perceived disadvantages and working around them is now beginning to bear fruit for inward investment into Sligo.
The establishment of an informal group called Team Sligo, comprising both public and private interests to promote Sligo as a tourism destination has brought success.
That same Team Sligo approach is
now promoting Sligo as a destination
for enterprise investment and is gaining traction with the arrival of Equinoxe AIS, Overstock and now JenaValve –all foreign direct investors.
IDA Ireland is the lead partner, who does their best to encourage investment – however the final decision of when and where to setup rests with the investor.
Team Sligo offers a “one stop turnkey solution” to potential investors, which
includes access to employees, accommoda- tion, set up support and integration into all the regional enterprise networks.
This joined-up approach is bearing fruit and success will bring more success as our reputation grows.
Drawing inspiration from recent Irish sporting achievements shows that a disci- plined, well-drilled and well-coached outfit – playing as a team - can outperform and beat any of the world superstars.
Learning 19
The Charles MacMunn building, opened last September by Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
ble 24 hours a day seven days a week and learners can cover the course work at a time that suits them.
Beyond industry engagement, bringing the Institute into the community remains a key focus. So too, is bringing the commu- nity to the IT Sligo campus. The Knocknar- ea Arena offers one of the best sporting and entertainment venues in the North West. As for the future, one key ambition stands out. IT Sligo is part of the Con- nacht-Ulster Alliance. This is a strategic partnership of three Institutes of Technol- ogy - Galway-Mayo, Letterkenny and Sligo - who are committed to achieving redesig- nation as a Technological University.
nce building
My vision for IT Sligo
The new president of IT Sligo, Professor Vincent Cunnane, has pledged to make online learning and the provision of industry-ready graduates for the workplace his priorities.
Prof Cunnane assumed his role in September and says he has received a warm welcome from students, staff and the wider Sligo community.
“The look and feel of IT Sligo is, in my view, way ahead of otherinstitutes,”saidProfCunnane,whopraisedprevious presidents, governing bodies and executives.
“From academia to sport, the facilities are state of the art. My job is to help the Institute build on that progress.
Speaking about Sligo, the president of the Institute said every region in Ireland had its own physical attributes, its own intellectual attributes.
“Sligo has an abundance of both. This is an area of out- standing natural beauty,” he said.
“I see huge tourism opportunities – opportunities which IT Sligo is keen to help make a reality in the years ahead through the production of industry-ready graduates and collaboration with local business and industry partners.
“Like the region around it, IT Sligo has to make the most of its key differentiators. Being the national leader in online learning continues to open up all sorts of education doors for students across Ireland and beyond.
“The prime focus is, of course, to provide industry-ready graduates for the workplace. There is a great manufacturing base in Sligo in life sciences, precision engineering and toolmaking. The Institute wants to continue to strengthen that base. We will engage with and listen to local industry
– ascertain what their needs are – and tailor our course offerings accordingly.”
26 November 2014
Irish Independent
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