Dundalk Institute of Technology Faces Staffing Challenges in Sustainability Plan

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) is facing the need for redundancies or early retirements in order to cut staffing costs, according to a sustainability plan for the institution. The plan, prepared by consulting firm Mazars and adopted by DKIT, proposes reducing staff numbers if pay cost savings cannot be achieved. With over 500 staff members and 5,000 students enrolled, DKIT has been running deficits in recent years. The Department of Further and Higher Education has been engaging with DKIT on the sustainability plan, which includes a reduction in staff costs as a key element. DKIT has confirmed that voluntary redundancies or early retirements may be considered if other pay cost savings are not achieved. However, any such arrangements would require discussions and agreement between the ICTU public services committee and the Department of Public Expenditure. DKIT reported a lower deficit than expected for the year ended August 2022, and draft financial statements for the year ended August 2023 suggest a deficit of approximately €1.5 million. The institute aims to return to a break-even situation by 2024/2025. The pandemic has had a significant impact on DKIT’s financial performance, resulting in a loss of student and commercial income. The institute has been working with the Higher Education Authority to address these challenges and has seen an increase in student numbers this year, particularly from Northern Ireland. While concerns have been raised about DKIT’s strategic direction and its position in the move to create technological universities, the institute is exploring closer cooperation with Maynooth University. This could involve students pursuing master’s degrees or PhDs receiving an accredited award from Maynooth University. However, a merger between the two institutions is not currently on the table.