The 70 acre campus at Institute of Technology Sligo will be at the centre of activity for the World Rally this weekend. ‘The scale and location of our campus allows us to play a key role in this showcase event and promote the North West internationally,’ commented Professor Terri Scott, President, IT Sligo. “The Service Park at IT Sligo is a vital component of the Rally, with an estimated 15,000 people passing through the campus each day. Rally Ireland brings over 250,000 spectators to the North West an investment of €48 million to the economy. The voluntary effort necessary to the successful running of this event should also be acknowledged, with over 3,000 volunteers throughout the North West becoming involved. The World Rally has come here as a result of collaboration between local authorities, businesses and state bodies; working together to providing the exacting facilities required.’
Working in a voluntary capacity in the extensive Service Park and International Media Centre facilities will be many IT Sligo staff and students. Computing Science undergraduates have assisted Rally Ireland in the preparation and support of the IT infrastructure for this event. They set up the initial computer network are working with rally personnel and the press corps to ensure connectivity for the competitors and press attending this event. Students have technical competencies to step in this role due to the applied nature of the programme and knowledge of the Cisco and Microsoft platforms used by the Rally.
A cross section of the staff from IT Sligo is also making an important contribution. From support staff, John Comiskey is involved with Rally Ireland as Stage Manager on Special Stage 15, Geevagh, and Eamon Price, Lecturer in Mechatronics, as a Media Marshal and water rescue service person. A number of students from the IT Sligo Motorsport Club are also involved including Daniel McKenna (4th year Mechatronics undergraduate) who recently competed successfully in the Galway International Rally winning Class 9, along with Tommy Doyle, another winner at the same event. Diane O’Brien, Lecturer in Computing at IT Sligo and an active member of Connacht Motor Club, and her husband, Jarlath Barry (who won his class in this event last year) are helping out both in the stages and the service park. Finally, IT Sligo computing graduate, Cillian Duffy is back navigating for champion driver, Aaron McHale.
Students from Business and Marketing are playing a central role in providing support for the corporate hospitality provided by IT Sligo at the event. Under the guidance of graduate Sarah Fay, at the Business Innovation Centre, ITSBIC, students are helping organise and co-ordinate the corporate aspect to the event, making certain logistics are correct and organising tours of the Institute ensuring that visitors enjoy their experience at the Institute of Technology, Sligo.
‘This weekend is a unique opportunity to showcase the region and the Institute of Technology, Sligo. Images of our facilities are being seen worldwide, with audiences of 62.8 million viewing IT Sligo as the backdrop to the Rally. I would like to acknowledge the involvement at all levels of the people of the North West as a vital part of bringing this prestigious event to this part of the country. The influx of visitors and media to Sligo is very welcome at this time and we hope that many visitors will return to the North West’ concluded Professor Scott.
Three hands on the wheel – Professor Terri Scott, President IT Sligo gets the lowdown on progress from Killian Duffy, former IT Sligo Computing Student and Aaron McHale during the World Rally Shakedown on Thursday.
For rally information:
www.rallyireland.org
www.wrc.com
For further information contact:
Janette Gillen
Centre Manager
ITSBIC