It follows an application from LYIT, Galway-Mayo and Sligo.

The announcement has just been made by Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris who says the the move will “increase higher education access, drive enhanced regional development and increase opportunities for students, staff, business and enterprise, and local communities”.

Former education minister and TD for Donegal Joe McHugh described it as an “incredible day for higher education in this county”.

“I wish to commend President Paul Hannigan, John Andy Bonner, and Dr Ciarán Ó hAnnracháin LYIT CUA (Technological University Project Manager) and all the team at LYIT, and Dr Sean Duffy, who led on this overall project, all of whom have worked very hard and closely together with their counterparts in Sligo and GMIT to ensure their application has reached this stage today.

“I met with the team at LYIT on various occasions over recent years in my role as minister for education while they worked through this process and this was always a priority of mine while in that position.

“I worked with Minister of State for Higher Education Mary Mitchell-O Connor and, more recently, I worked with Minister Simon Harris to try and ensure that this ambition became a reality for this County and the North West region.

“This is a really significant development and will undoubtedly have massive benefits for our whole region. This will create stronger regional growth in the North West, and will further encourage the development of our close cross-border links here in Donegal.”

Th North West is the fourth TU to be created since 2019.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine said it was “tremendous news” for the entire North West community.

“It provides for the establishment early next year of a multi-campus university presence across the region, encompassing eight locations in Castlebar, Galway City, Killybegs, Letterfrack, Letterkenny, Mountbellew and Sligo.

“This is further investment in our rural communities and will benefit students and businesses throughout Connaught and Ulster.”

Applauding all those involved in getting the project over the line, Minister McConalogue added, “Congratulations to all involved including the LYIT team led by Paul Hannigan and my thanks to my colleague Ministwr Harris for his work with the group.”