Kenny welcomes UCC link

TAOISEACH ENDA Kenny yesterday said an alliance between University College Cork and the Irish Management Institute would build Ireland’s reputation for leadership in business.

Mr Kenny, speaking at the announcement of the alliance, said the collaboration between the two bodies had the potential to greatly improve the capacity of Ireland’s companies to compete internationally. “It means opportunity and a new connection. UCC is a university of outstanding tradition. It doesn’t have any alliance with Dublin and the IMI with its brand and its tradition and its reputation gives UCC a whole new dimension to its work,” he said.

The alliance will establish a UCC presence in Dublin and both institutions will work together on research, on the teaching and delivery of education programmes and on attracting international businesspeople to Irish executive education.

“I heartily welcome this alliance. It will help to position Ireland internationally at the forefront in management innovation and build our reputation for leadership in business,” Mr Kenny said.

The move was also welcomed by UCC president Dr Michael Murphy and IMI president Dr Phil Nolan.