TUS and Longford County Council establish the First Higher Education Partnership through TUS Learning Gates across Longford Library Services network

Supporting wider participation in flexible, online and part-time learning opportunities across County Longford

Press Release: Tuesday, 14 May 2026 

All six Longford libraries branches have officially joined the TUS Learning Gate network, creating connected local access points to higher education and supporting wider participation in flexible, online and part-time learning opportunities across County Longford. The Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS), in partnership with Longford County Council, has formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing Longford Library Services as part of the growing TUS Learning Gate network. The signing event took place in Granard Library on Thursday, 7 May 2026, and marked an important step in expanding access to flexible higher education opportunities across County Longford.

A TUS Learning Gate is a collaborative partnership that connects community institutions to the Technological University of the Shannon through a distributed and connected network of local and regional access points to higher education. Through the TUS Learning Gate network, individuals in communities across Ireland are made aware of the wide range of TUS flexible, online, part-time and accredited programmes, including programmes across NFQ Levels 6–9. These include micro-credentials, certificates, undergraduate degrees, postgraduate diplomas and master’s programmes. Many programmes may also be eligible for funding supports such as Springboard+, SUSI, and other national initiatives, alongside a broader range of fee-paying opportunities. The Longford partnership will help increase local awareness of these opportunities and support individuals who may wish to return to education, upskill, reskill, progress in their careers, or explore new learning pathways, while living and working in Longford, as all programmes are delivered online.

Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh described his experience of distance learning, “My experience of distance learning was very positive. I was given the chance to complete my degree locally in Longford through AIT and the EDI Centre. At the time, I had a young family and was working full time, so studying online made higher education possible for me. Receiving my degree was a proud and memorable day for both me and my family.”

Dr Michael Tobin, Dean of the Faculty of Continuing, Professional, Online and Distance Learning at TUS, highlighted the purpose and future direction of the TUS Learning Gate project: “This initiative is about recognising that higher education access does not begin and end on campus. It is about creating trusted, connected local spaces where people can become aware of learning opportunities, build confidence, and engage with TUS flexible online programmes in a way that fits their lives and communities. Longford libraries are trusted, accessible and community-centred spaces, which makes them natural partners for the TUS Learning Gate model.” He added: “As TUS Learning Gates, they will help connect people living and working across the county with flexible learning opportunities available through TUS. I am also delighted to officially announce the launch of the TUS Learning Gate Community Series under this year’s theme of ‘Demystifying’, bringing accessible talks, practical insights and expert knowledge to communities across the network.”

Deputy Chief Executive of Longford County Council John Brannigan, highlighted the ongoing commitment of Longford County Council to providing more opportunities for the local community, “This partnership reinforces our commitment to making County Longford a strong place to live, work and grow older. Longford County Council supports learning at every stage of life, from primary and post-primary initiatives to higher and further education. Programmes such as the Microsoft Dream Space Showcase, the Longford STEM Passport and the new TUS Learning Gates give people practical opportunities to build skills, progress their education and improve their quality of life.”

Professor Vincent Cunnane, President of TUS, underlined the wider importance of the partnership, “Education is a public good and an investment in people, communities and regions. At TUS, we are committed to widening access to higher education and ensuring that flexible learning opportunities are available to people wherever they live and work. This partnership with Longford County Council and Longford Library Services demonstrates the important role local partnerships can play in creating meaningful pathways to higher education, supporting lifelong learning and strengthening regional development.”

Both Professor Cunnane and Dr Tobin highlighted that TUS Learning Gate aligns not only with regional engagement, but also with wider national and global priorities, including Our Rural Future 2026–2031 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals relating to quality education, decent work, reduced inequalities, sustainable communities, climate action and partnerships. The objective of the TUS Learning Gate partnership is to increase awareness and participation in higher education across County Longford, thereby supporting the development of skills and talent within the county. By combining the reach of a technological university with the local presence and trust of Longford libraries, the partnership will help make higher education more accessible, inclusive and responsive to the needs of regional communities.

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment between TUS and Longford County Council to widening participation in higher education, supporting lifelong learning, and strengthening regional and community development. This partnership with Longford County Council represents a significant milestone in the continued development of the TUS Learning Gate network. While the network has traditionally included hubs, community spaces and enterprise centres, Longford Library Services is the first county library service to join as a TUS Learning Gate partner, highlighting the important role libraries can play in widening access to higher education. As part of the event, the Memorandum of Understanding was formally signed, confirming the partnership between TUS and Longford County Council.