14 June 2002

Committee opposes catering college merger

The Assembly’s Committee for Employment and Learning has voted against the integration of the Northern Ireland Hotel and Catering College (NIHCC) at Portrush within the University of Ulster (UU).

As the smallest specialist further education college in Northern Ireland, the merger proposal was put forward by the Hotel and Catering College as a means of securing its future position within the tertiary education sector.

The benefits of the proposed merger would include the further development of a centre of excellence in hospitality and tourism and the achievement of a much sharper focus on the hospitality and tourism sector as a whole.

However the majority of the Committee’s members voted against the motion because they believed it was of key importance to ensure a large enough site was decided upon to cater for Northern Ireland’s growing sector. Reservations about the merger had already been expressed earlier this year by many in the tourism and hospitality sector who said a centre of excellence should be based in Belfast where most highly rated bars and restaurants are located.

Speaking after the meeting, Committee Chairman, Dr Esmond Birnie said: “The majority of members felt that the case for a merger at Portrush was not proven. Significant doubts had been expressed in evidence as to future student numbers and the longer-term viability of the proposal.

“Nevertheless, if the merger does now occur we wish the University of Ulster well in this endeavour.”

(AMcE)