Roscommon and Leitrim can now consider themselves university counties as part of the creation of new technological university in the north-west.
The country's latest TU is to be established as part of a merger between Institutes of Technology in Galway-Mayo, Sligo and Letterkenny ITs.
The Higher Education Minister says it will increase access to college, lead to enhanced regional development and boost local opportunities.
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Simon Harris has also confirmed a decision on a university for the south-east, bringing together Waterford and Carlow ITs, will be made in the coming days.
Minister for public health and Sligo-Leitrim Td Frank Feighan says it's wonderful news for the region.
