Outgoing President of WIT Willie Donnelly says Waterford needs to declare itself a University City.

From May 1st Waterford Institute of Technology and IT Carlow officially amalgamate to form the new South East Technological University.

Professor Donnelly will stop down after seven years as President and over 25 years in total at the college.

Professor Veronica Campbell will be the first president of SETU. More here.

Speaking at a conference showcasing Waterford as Ireland’s best place to live, at the Theatre Royal this morning, Willie Donnelly says the City will have to embrace students in a more meaningful way.

He expanded on these comments in an interview with WLR's MaryAnn Vaughan, pointing out that the student population of Waterford is likely to increase from about 8,000 to 15,000 with the arrival of SETU, and that it's not reflected enough:

Sometimes I feel that the students are invisible to the City, and creating Waterford as a University City, and all of the dynamics that go with that; a young city, a vibrant city, a city that recognises the value of this younger generation and the part they'll play when they graduate is hugely important.

Professor Donnelly said he has "so many fond memories" of his time at WIT, but that he's satisfied he's leaving at a good time, "when I became President I said that the objective was to create a Technological University. That's happening now - on Sunday we'll be officially established and I think it's a good time for me to look at other opportunities."

You can listen to the full interview through the link in this podcast.