Serving the North-East region since 1971, DKIT is one of the longest established Institutes within its sector, drawing the majority of its students from counties Louth, Meath, Cavan, Monaghan and North County Dublin. It has a student population of 2,500 full-time and 400 part-time, pursuing third level programmes at National Certificate, National Diploma, Degree and Post Graduate levels in Engineering, Science, Computing, Business and the Applied Humanities. DKIT’s Academic and Campus Masterplan envisages a growth in student numbers to over 3,000 by 2003, and the Institute is currently engaged in a £16 million Campus development and building investment programme.

DKIT, through the Research and Development activities of its Academic Staff, has developed a strong R&D reputation and is recognised as a centre of excellence in:

• Food Technology
• Software Development
• Enterprise Development and Innovation
• Product Design Engineering
• Electronics
• Building Surveying

The evolution of this range of research expertise has a direct bearing on new course and staff development, and on the relevance of graduate provision to the skills needs of the Regional and National economy. An Annual Research Forum provides Research Staff an opportunity to disseminate information on their activities, and these events have been highly successful in stimulating joint research projects with industry.

The Institute was one of the first to establish a Campus based Innovation Centre (the Regional Development Centre) with incubator facilities and an Industrial Services Office providing a range of services to Industry and business in the region. The Centre draws strongly on the knowledge base and expertise of the Institute and has become one of the most developed incubator units in the Institute of Technology sector.

DKIT is an active participant in the Enterprise Ireland Applied Research Programme, working in partnership with small, medium and large companies in the region, and sectoral industry groups, to develop innovative solutions to design, process, and manufacturing challenges.

Participation in a number of EU funded R&D projects under programmes such as ADAPT has brought a wider dimension to the Institute’s activities, particularly in the areas of Innovation and Enterprise Development.

The Institute has now developed a Research Policy and Strategic plan which encourages research in key strategic areas critical to the development of the Institute, its region, and also relates to the demands of the regional economy for graduates and post graduates.