Talks under way to merge both Carlow and Waterford Institutes of Technology in a bid to secure University status

The Sunday Times thinks that Carlow IT has a great chance of being upgraded to a Technological University.

Talks are under way about a merger with Waterford IT that would see the combined colleges classified as a university for the South East region.

Carlow IT will be named as runner -up Institute of Technology of year in the Sunday Times this weekend.

It also won the top spot last year in the papers Good University guide.

Kate Butler compiled the survey and says this consistent performance will bring great rewards.