asked the Minister for Education if it is his intention to provide for the expansion of third level colleges; where this expansion, if any, will take place; and the projected timescale.
Written Answers. - Expansion of Third Level Colleges.
549.
It is my intention to ensure that third level colleges will be developed in line with the growth in demand and that developments in the area of science and technology, in particular, will receive high priority.
The projects which will receive immediate priority include the School of Engineering for UCD, the next phase of the development of the National Institutes for Higher Education in Limerick and Dublin, the upgrading and expansion of the Colleges of Technology at Bolton Street and Kevin Street and the development of Regional Colleges in the Dublin area.
Full details and timing of development will be determined in each case under an overall development plan which will be formulated over the next few months. The Higher Education Authority are at present engaged in a study of third level education needs in general. When I have received the report of the Authority following this study I will be in a position to consider the further expansion of third level colleges as required.