The President of Athlone IT says the college's new status as a Technological University will be a "game changer" for attracting foreign direct investment to the midlands region,
Ciaran O' Cathain was speaking following confirmation that AIT and Limerick Institute has formally submitted its application to government to become a University.
The new institution is expected to comprise a student population of up to 15,000 and a staff of around 1,200 spread across six campuses in Athlone, Limerick, Clonmel, Ennis and Thurles.
Speaking on Let's Talk today Ciaran O' Cathain says the benefits of university status have already been seen in the enrolment numbers in Athlone.
He says that foreign investors exploring options will also be far more likely to set up in the region as a result of the change of status.
