MINISTER for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD and Munster Technological University (MTU) have today announced the appointment of Mr Jimmy Deenihan as Chairperson of MTU’s Governing Body.

Mr Deenihan takes up the role on foot of a public process carried out by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science. Mr Deenihan succeeds Mr Bob Savage, who has served in the role since January 1st.

Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “I want to thank Bob Savage for occupying this role and for his leadership at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) over a long period of time. We are indebted to him for stepping into this role and helping MTU become a reality.”

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“I want to congratulate Jimmy on his new role and wish him all the best. Technological Universities are at the heart of our higher education system and I am so pleased Jimmy will be helping us on that journey. I look forward to visiting MTU over the coming months.”

MTU is Ireland’s second technological university, following the establishment of TU Dublin.

President of MTU, Prof. Maggie Cusack said: “On behalf of MTU I wish to sincerely thank Bob for his utmost professionalism and dedication to MTU over the past six months, and the years before that in his capacity as Chairperson of CIT’s Governing Body.

“I also extend a warm welcome to Jimmy as our new Chairperson, for what will be a pivotal post-establishment period. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as a senior Government Minister, opposition spokesperson in a wide range of portfolios, and long-standing public representative. I look forward to working closely with him and the rest of our Governing Body as we strive to continue the progress of MTU in fulfilling its functions, mission and values as a Technological University.”