61. (1) This section applies to a designated institution of higher education referred to in paragraphs (a)(vi) or (b) of section 53(1).

(2) A designated institution of higher education to which this section applies shall, as soon as practicable after the designation order is made or at a time that is agreed with An tÚdarás, prepare a plan (in this section called a “strategic development plan”) for the period specified in the plan, being a period of not more than 5 years from the date the plan is prepared.

(3) A designated institution of higher education to which this section applies shall prepare each subsequent strategic development plan not later than 3 months after the expiration of the period specified in the previous strategic development plan.

(4) A designated institution of higher education to which this section applies shall, for the purpose of preparing a strategic development plan, consult with the following:

(a) the Minister;

(b) such Ministers of the Government as the institution considers appropriate;

(c) An tÚdarás;

(d) students or the students’ unions of the institution;

(e) employees of the institution;

(f) the academic council of the institution;

(g) such education and training boards as the institution considers appropriate;

(h) a local authority (within the meaning of the Local Government Act 2001) in whose functional area the campus of the institution is located;

(i) such other body or person as the institution considers appropriate.

(5) A strategic development plan shall specify—

(a) the objectives of the designated institution of higher education to which this section applies for the period specified in the plan and the strategies for achieving those objectives,

(b) the purposes for which the institution proposes to use its resources,

(c) how the institution shall comply with any requirements imposed on it under this Act, including requirements in relation to governance and conditions related to funding,

(d) the plans of the institution to provide programmes of education and training and to promote excellent research that meet the needs of individuals, business, enterprise, the professions, the community and other stakeholders in the region in which the institution is located,

(e) the plans of the institution to develop and promote strong social, cultural and Irish language links, and links supporting creativity, between the institution and the community in the region in which the institution is located,

(f) the manner in which the plan relates to any performance agreement in place under section 36, and

(g) any other requirement specified by An tÚdarás.

(6) A strategic development plan prepared by a designated institution of higher education to which this section applies shall be in such form as An tÚdarás may direct.

(7) A designated institution of higher education to which this section applies shall provide a copy of the strategic development plan to An tÚdarás and shall publish it in such manner as it considers appropriate.