Milestone as university ‘wins’ Waterford crystal

Agreement has been reached for South East Technological University (SETU) to buy 20 acres of the former Waterford Crystal site, according to Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD. is milestone announcement will see SETU expand its footprint in Waterford while furthering the vision to create a University-Enterprise Quarter for the city and region.

Speaking at the announcement Minister Harris said: e purchase of the site will allow SETU expand and grow, and crucially embed in the city of Waterford.

“ is is a major moment in the development of SETU.

“We know the history of this site. Once a bustling site of business and tourism, the site has been largely derelict since the closure of Waterford Crystal over 14 years ago.

“ is is a new dawn for this site. Here SETU will grow and this site will once again become a bustling site for students, research, enterprise and for the people of Waterford through creation of an active and dynamic University-Enterprise Quarter.”

Professor Veronica Campbell, SETU President ,warmly welcomed the funding announcement saying: “I would like to thank the minister and the Higher Education Authority for their support of our collective vision and for providing the rst phase of funding to allow that vision become a reality.

“Our work to realise a University-Enterprise Quarter on the Waterford Crystal site will begin now in earnest and we look forward to developing this vision with all of our stakeholders and regional partners.

“As a university embedded in our region our ambition is to bring together academia, research, industry and our communities to create a hub of knowledge, learning, enterprise, innovation and creativity.”

Over the next two years, SETU will further develop the vision for the University-Enterprise Quarter, engage with stakeholders and the wider community, undertake design and apply for planning, all aligned with the strategic planning process of the University. e former Waterford Crystal site extends to 37 acres and is located directly adjacent to the SETU Campus in Waterford. e acquisition of circa 20 acres for SETU on the site represents a signi cant opportunity for the future growth of the University, Waterford and the wider region.