The opening of the Regional Technical Colleges from 1969 initiated one of the most exciting developments in Irish education during the twentieth century.  In the 1960s, Ireland had a small elite system of higher education, catering almost exclusively for the professions and some employment outlets in the public sector.   After developing awards of different levels and types, the regional technical colleges increased access to third level education, especially in those parts of the country away from the main centres of population. They brought a strong applied orientation, increased participation, and an important regional dimension to higher education in Ireland.  They made a huge contribution to economic development by providing suitable graduates ‘over a broad spectrum of occupations, ranging from craft to professional level’ for an expanding labour force, as well as facilitating participation, fostering social cohesion and becoming drivers of regional development.  Alumni from the Regional Technical Colleges found ready employment in Ireland, except for the recessions in the late 1980s and in 2008.  They made a significant contribution to the attractiveness of Ireland for foreign direct investment and in the promotion of indigenous enterprises.  Their geographical distribution was a big factor in increasing access to and participation in higher education.  They also made a huge contribution to increasing participation from lower socio-economic groups and providing students from a variety of backgrounds with opportunities to develop their talents and realise their potential.  The colleges developed the ladder system of progression, which facilitated the integration of further and higher education, and they were responsive to the demand for life-long learning and up-skilling of the labour force.  The colleges were quick to provide new programmes to satisfy new needs by learners and employers, working closely with regional and community organisations).  They endeavoured to foster enterprise development, promote partnerships with industry, and participate in national and European funded research initiatives. They also tried to advance knowledge by teaching and research. They made a huge contribution to transforming the small elite system of higher education in the country during the 1960s (less than 15 per cent of the relevant cohort) to a mass system (15-50 per cent participation), and in recent times to a universal one (over 50 per cent participation). 

         Following amalgamations and mergers, these regional technical colleges have now been designated into five technological universities. These are: the Technological University of Dublin, established in January 2019; Munster Technological University, established in January 2021; Technological University of Shannon – Midland and Midwest, established October 2021; Atlantic Technological University established in April 2022, and South-East Technological University, established in May 2022.   It is hoped that this development will enhance Ireland’s reputation as an ideal place for foreign direct investment and provide a further stimulus for indigenous businesses.