THE Minister for Education has announced that the Waterford Regional Technical College is being upgraded to become the Waterford Institute of Technology.
Ms Breathnach said yesterday that Waterford had been one of the most successful of the State's RTCs, and its upgrading and expansion represented "the most appropriate response to the higher education needs of the south east region."
Only 20 per cent to 22 per cent of third level students in the southeast are currently studying at degree level, and there has been a strong campaign in the Waterford area for a university or other degree level institution for the region.
The Minister of State at the Department of Education, Mr Brian O'Shea, is a Labour TD for Waterford.
Ms Breathnach said yesterday that the new Waterford Institute of Technology would be able to validate its own certificate and diploma courses, and the number of its degree courses validated by the National Council for Educational Awards would increase.
