South East Technological University

South East Technological University (SETU; Irish: Ollscoil Teicneolaíochta an Oirdheiscirt) is a public technological university serving the South East region of Ireland and is the only university in that region. It was formally established on 1 May 2022 following the amalgamation of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow, after many years of planning and negotiation. The idea for technological universities in Ireland was approved by the government in 2013, with the merger of the two institutes proposed as part of this national strategy. Both institutions were originally founded in 1970 as Regional Technical Colleges and later renamed in the 1990s. Although efforts to achieve university status began as early as 2006 and a vision document titled Technological University for the South East was published in 2015, progress was delayed several times due to financial concerns, staff opposition, and administrative challenges. The Technological Universities Act 2018 provided the legislative framework for such mergers, but the South East bid required further development and review. In 2020, Minister Simon Harris appointed Tom Boland of the Higher Education Authority to advance the process, leading to a formal application in 2021 and final approval after international evaluation. SETU now operates across five towns including Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, Rathnew, and Kilkenny, with multiple sub-campuses in its two main centres. The university supports strong research activity, hosting specialized centres in areas such as information and communication systems, pharmaceutical and molecular biotechnology, applied materials, eco-innovation, nutrition, bio-environmental technology, advanced software, design innovation, engineering technology, professional practice, men’s health, and rehabilitative sciences, reflecting its commitment to regional development and global impact.