On 5th April 2016, IADT and Blackrock Further Education Institute signed a formal  Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the development of educational pathways, access and progression routes for Blackrock Further Education Institute students.  The signing marked a substantial new collaboration between the Institutes and a commitment to joint staff development and events.

Mary Mitchell O’Connor T.D. was in attendance and welcomed the formal collaboration between the two Institutions, saying that it reflected Government policy on collaborative partnerships and increased access to Higher Education.

Dr Annie Doona, IADT President,  pointed out that mature students currently make up around 12% of the student population at IADT.  She also said that it is important to avoid duplication of provision between Further Education and Higher Education, and create sustainable pathways.  

Deirdre Hanamy, Principal of Blackrock Further Education Institute, was delighted to see the formalising of these long established progression pathways between IADT and BFEI. She said it gives status to agreed links and confirms for Further Education students that there are defined pathways of progression to Higher Education.