Institute of Technology, Tralee Announces Details of 30th Anniversary Celebrations

Minister for Education Hails Institute as Model of Education Success

Minister for Education and Science, Mary Hanafin T.D., today launched the Institute of Technology, Traleeâ¿¿s 30th anniversary celebrations.

Over the past thirty years the Institute of Technology, Tralee has grown and developed with great success to become the leading higher education provider in the South-West and has cemented a unique relationship with Shannon Developments Kerry Technology Park, with whom it shares a purpose-built modern campus.

Students and staff at the Institute along with businesses, the community and schools in the region, will be able to mark the occasion with a series of events scheduled to take place during 2008. 

Event highlights include

•  A Kerry Legends night will see sporting heroes Micheál Oâ¿¿Muircheartaigh, Mick Galwey and Mick Oâ¿¿Dwyer being honoured for their contribution to the county
• A Lectures Series (open to the public) with guest speakers such as Dr. Maurice Nelligan, Fergus Finlay, CEO of Barnardos ,and author Dr Diarmaid Ferriter
• An art competition for all primary schools in the county, with the theme â¿¿When I Grow Upâ¿¿

IT, Tralee President, Michael Carmody says:  â¿¿The Institute of Technology, Tralee celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year as the major higher education and training centre for the South West.  During the past thirty years the Institute has grown from strength to strength and we have much to be proud of.  From our modest but ambitious beginnings, ITT has expanded to two large campus locations, with state-of-the-art facilities and a campus community of 3,500 students and 500 staff. 

The Institute has become a major contributor to the educational, economic and social life of the region.  We hope the Programme of Events for our 30th Celebrations will attract visitors to the Institute throughout 2008 to witness this progress.⿝

Speaking at the official launch of the celebrations at IT, Tralee (Friday, Feb 22), Minister Hanafin said: â¿¿During the past 30 years the Institute has excelled in teaching, research & development work and enterprise.  Today visitors to the campus will find a, dynamic, forward-looking Institute. 

The Institute is at the heart of the community, with a great reputation gained through pioneering initiatives to encourage local young people to think about going to college as well as encouraging life-long learning.⿝

-ENDS-
For More Information:
Isabel Dalton, Pembroke Communications: Tel: 649 6491 Mobile: 087 2639021
Nigel Oâ¿¿Mahony, Pembroke Communications: Tel: 021 4965000/1 / Mobile: 086 2497530
Brita Lyons, IT, Tralee: PH: 066 719 1705 

Notes To Editors
The Kerry Technology Park (KTP) and the Institute of Technology, Tralee (IT, Tralee) have a unique relationship and share a campus since moving to a Greenfield site in 2001.

KTP and IT, Tralee combine education and enterprise and share a joint vision and strategy. KTP is owned and managed by Shannon Development in partnership with IT, Tralee. KTPâ¿¿s relationship with IT, Tralee ensures access to a highly-skilled graduate labour pool and creates a culture of synergy that helps to foster an entrepreneurial environment.

IT, Tralee was established in 1977 and now has over 3,500 full and part time students situated on two campuses. The Institute employs over 500 academic, executive, administrative and technical staff.