A joint degree programme has been developed between LYIT and NUI Galway which meets the recognized demand from a range of organisations working through the medium of Irish for third level graduates, who can function effectively in a bilingual environment.  These organisations come from a broad range of sectors including the public sector, the Gaeltacht business sector, education, national and local Irish language organisations, and community development organisations.

Paul Hannigan, President, commented, “We are delighted with this collaboration and the unique programme which, through a combination of academic studies and training, will provide education to graduate level in the main business and administrative disciplines and develop well educated and highly trained graduates”.

The new BA Riarachán Gnó (Business Administration) is a four year programme taught through Irish at Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge in Gaoth Dobhair.  It aims to provide graduates with the practical and analytical skills necessary to work effectively in a business and administration environment in which Irish and English are used.  The programme is provided jointly by staff from LYIT and NUI Galway and is recognized by the Teachers Council for the purposes of teaching Business at post primary level.

President of NUI Galway, Dr James J Browne, said, “I would like to congratulate the Joint Working Group which brought this project to its conclusion.  I know it is not always easy to overcome the obstacles that emanate from working under different policy regimes and with different structures.  However, the Working Group, through their dedication to the project and their ability to work together has managed to overcome these challenges.  I am confident that this project will provide the basis for future collaborative projects between LYIT and NUI Galway in the area of Irish language teaching and research”.