Three third level colleges in Connacht and Ulster have signed an agreement this afternoon [9/07] in a bid to achieve the status of Technological University.

Galway Mayo IT, Letterkenny IT and IT Sligo will form a new strategic partnership known as the Connacht-Ulster Alliance to gain the University title and enhance the economic and social devlopment of the two regions.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny attended the formal signing between the colleges at GMIT Castlebar in the last hour [2pm].

The three Higher Education institutes aim to work together in a number of areas including; to provide greater access to programmes, attract more inernational students and to develop research and innovation.

GMIT President Michael Carmody says it's pary of the wider National Strategy for Higher Education in Ireland.