Queen's University Belfast to form part of first all-island university group in 'landmark' move

Under the arrangement, formally approved by the two educational institutions, DkIT will be a University College of Queen's as part of the first all-island university group.

This is expected to integrate programmes delivered at Dundalk within Queen's, develop research collaboration, including proposals for a Joint Research and Innovation Centre on the Dundalk campus, and boost undergraduate and postgraduate provision in the North East.

On Tuesday, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless received approval from Cabinet to draft amendments to the Technological Universities Act 2018, allowing DkIT to apply for designation as a technological university college.

Mr Lawless said the decision was about "unlocking opportunity" for students, for employers and for the region.

"This partnership allows students to access internationally recognised Queen's awards while studying and building their lives in their communities that most need their skills.

"Crucially, it is a practical expression of the Government's Shared Island Initiative, turning co-operation into concrete outcomes.

"By aligning education, research and enterprise across borders, we are creating a more coherent all-island talent pipeline."

He added: "This is a landmark all-island initiative focused on students, regional growth and our shared economic future.

"Supported through the Shared Island Initiative, it shows what can be achieved when institutions collaborate with ambition and purpose.

"By strengthening all-island research capacity, widening student choice and anchoring opportunity along the Dublin -Belfast corridor, this partnership translates the all-island idea into action - delivering scale, impact and opportunity for communities north and south."

Queen's University Belfast president and vice-chancellor Professor Sir Ian Greer said the approval marked "a significant step in this strategic partnership".

"Today's government approval takes us one step closer to creating the first all-island university group, a partnership that will drive economic growth and further improve student opportunities between Dundalk Institute of Technology and Queen's University Belfast," he said.

President of Dundalk Institute of Technology Dr Diarmuid O'Callaghan said: "We welcome the news that Minister Lawless has secured government approval to bring the draft legislation forward.

"This is a hugely significant step in our strategic partnership with Queen's University Belfast.

"Since November 2025 , we have been collaborating closely with our Queen's colleagues as well as government, HEA and QQI officials to ensure that we deliver on the aims of this agreement.

"The formal endorsement of a heads of agreement between our two institutes in March of this year highlighted our joint commitment to cross-border collaboration in teaching and learning, research and innovation, and community engagement.

"Today's announcement is the next step in a landmark partnership which will have a remarkable impact on students, employers and the north-east region."