We anticipated that the last group would probably not grow industrially as rapidly as group (ii) [Waterford and Galway] although Dundalk and Carlow appeared to us to have greater immediate potential than the other centres in the same group.The building programme for the regional colleges commenced in 1968, with Dundalk Regional Technical College opening their doors in September 1969, officially opening in 1971.
Cowen then stated that:[10]"For Ireland to achieve its full potential we need a strong skills pool and institutes such as Dundalk (Institute of Technology) are of central importance in equipping people with the skills needed to create and seize emerging opportunities.
This building is the hub for Nursing and Health studies for the college and accommodates over 400 students on a four-year course.
[17][18] In August 2023, the IT confirmed discussions were taking place with Maynooth University with regard to possible collaborations.
[24] Established in 1989 by DkIT, the Regional Development Centre acts as the institute's Innovation Support and Technology Transfer organisation.
[citation needed] The DkIT Regional Development Centre has been awarded the ISO 9001-2000 Quality Standard.
The facility provides learning and research support to 5,000 + students and staff with 400 study spaces, over 50,000 books and journals and access to a range of online databases.
[citation needed] There are 100 PCs for project and research work as well as wireless internet access on two floors.
[citation needed] The library building was named after T. K. Whitaker, in recognition of his contribution to the Irish economy.
This was in honour of the retired General John de Chastelain for his involvement in the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
[citation needed] Researchers within the institute carry out internationally recognised research within several key thematic areas: The institute's "Irish Language Scheme", the first of a series of three-year schemes under Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla (The Official Languages Act) 2003, came into effect on 18 October 2010.