MTU Cork Access Service

23/07/2026

Laura, our Access Officer, and Orla, our Access Finance Officer, had the pleasure of attending the Dillon’s Cross Project Summer Programme Graduation Ceremony today at the Glen Resource Centre.

Huge congratulations to all 59 young learners who took part and celebrated their achievements after an extremely busy summer of learning, sport, creativity and personal development. It was also great to connect with partner organisations and recognise the value of collaboration in supporting young people in our communities.

We were delighted to host three events at MTU as part of this year’s programme, and we look forward to collaborating again next summer!
Dillons Cross Project Cork Education and Training Board

13/07/2026

Recently Dr Deirdre Creedon, MTU Head of Access and Disability, presented at the HEA PATH Showcase Event in Croke Park, alongside Olive Byrne, UCC Head of Access, and Aisling McHugh, SETU Access Officer.

Their presentation was a spotlight on
Access Practitioners: Our Role, Our Identity, Our Vision. This research was published by the SOAR cluster (UCC, MTU and SETU) with the following 5 questions guiding the work;
⏺️ What is the role of Access Practitioners currently?
⏺️Has the role of Access Practitioners changed over time and if so, what are the nature of these changes?
⏺️What do Access Practitioners need from HEIs and other decision-making bodies or organisations in order to perform their role in line with best practice and in a manner that supports them?
⏺️What are the challenges that Access Practitioners navigate while performing their role?
⏺️What do Access Practitioners nationally envision as the future of Access as a sector and as a role?

Some practitioner feedback from the research survey includes:

“I feel that the work of Access does have a really important impact on the educational landscape in Ireland.”

“There is still more needed to ensure that Access practitioners are valued in their very important role. We are the first point of contact in most instances and we are guiding light for students.”

“We are undervalued, overworked and our expertise is not utilised when any developments within the organisation are made that impact on us.”

The full SOAR report can be found onhttps://www.soarforaccess.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/SOAR-Project-Access-Practitioners-Our-Role-Our-Identity-Our-Vision.pdf

07/07/2026

07/07/2026

A number of weeks ago, we proudly hosted the MTU Sports Leadership Programme, a collaborative initiative between the MTU Access Service, the Department of Sport, Leisure and Childhood Studies, and the Dillons Cross Project.

This two-day programme brought together young people aged 13–21 from the Dillons Cross Project Summer Programme and the Mayfield Training Centre Sports & Recreation Course for an engaging and developmental leadership experience.

The programme was led by MTU graduates Jasmine Kiely, Ben O’Sullivan, Jack Dawson, and Nódhlaig McCarthy, with support from Tom Broderick and Irene Hogan (Lecturers, MTU Department of Sport, Leisure and Childhood Studies) and Michael Carey (Cork ETB). The programme was coordinated by Christine Nolan, Mature Student Officer.

➡️ Day 1 provided participants with the opportunity to observe and experience coaching in a highly practical setting, as MTU coaches demonstrated a variety of activities and leadership approaches.

➡️ Day 2 saw learners step into leadership roles themselves, planning and delivering activities in pairs and small groups.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this programme such a positive and rewarding experience.

We look forward to continuing to create opportunities that empower young people, build confidence, and showcase the exciting educational pathways available through MTU.

06/07/2026

We were delighted to welcome post primary learners & staff from the Dillons Cross Project to the Bishopstown Campus today for an information session on pathways to higher education and on various supports available through the Access Service, as well as a campus tour.

The session was facilitated by Kirstie, our HEAR Coordinator, and Emily, our Access Administrator.

06/07/2026

06/07/2026

Huge congratulations to all mature applicants who received offers for MTU in CAO round A this morning.

This is a significant achievement and the beginning of an exciting new chapter!

The Mature Student Support Team look forward to welcoming our incoming mature students this September as they begin their studies at MTU Bishopstown, National Maritime College of Ireland - NMCI, Crawford College of Art and Design & MTU Cork School of Music.

Wishing you every success as you prepare for the journey ahead.

03/07/2026

📣 DARE Review. Have your say!

Access College have added some more Town Hall sessions in July. They are holding them on Zoom and want to hear from you.

⏺️ The online survey is open until Friday 10 July

⏺️ Parents and Guardians, Tuesday 28 July, 6:00-7:30PM

⏺️ Students, Wednesday 29 July, 1:00-2:30PM

⏺️ Disabled Persons Organisations and Disability NGOs, Wednesday 29 July, 6:00-7:30PM

Register for any of the above sessions on https://accesscollege.ie/dare/2026/05/25/the-dare-review/

22/06/2026

DARE and HEAR eligibility outcomes will be issued to applicants tomorrow, 23 June from 2pm.

Applicants will receive an email from the CAO with their outcome. Log into your CAO account to see your next steps.

If you’re not eligible, you can request a review of your application. The review and appeals form opens on 23 June after 2pm. You’ll have until 2 July at 5pm to submit your form and all supporting documents to CAO. We recommended acting fast if this applies to you as there’s a very short window.

If you have applied to MTU Cork Campus & have any queries, please email the team and include your full name, CAO number and date of birth;
⏺️ HEAR- [email protected]
⏺️ DARE- [email protected]
📞 021- 433 5138

Keep an eye on Access College tomorrow for more information and the link to the form.

16/06/2026