Name announced for new Technological University in Athlone

The name of the new Technological University in Athlone has been revealed.

What started 50 years ago as Athlone Regional Technical College, and then became Athlone Institute of Technology, will soon be known as: 'Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest'.

The disclosure of the name came just over a fortnight after the confirmation that Athlone IT and Limerick IT's joint bid to become a Technological University had been approved.

Speaking on Clare FM today, Limerick IT president Vincent Cunnane said it was "another big day" for LIT and AIT.

"Two weeks ago we were designated as a Technological University and today we have a name, a new name for a new beginning and a new institution."

He pointed out that the initials of 'Technological University of the Shannon' were tús, which represented "a new beginning for us all, for our regions, our staff, our students and our stakeholders".

Athlone IT president Ciarán Ó Catháin described the university designation this month as a "historic" moment for the Midlands and Midwest: