Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 Nov 1996

Vol. 471 No. 3

Written Answers. - Tallaght (Dublin) Regional Technical College.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

38 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Education the plans, if any, she has to sanction the necessary funding for expanding the facilities and campus at Tallaght regional technical college, Dublin 24; if her attention has been drawn to the need for securing the future development of the college in relation to the last remaining tract of land which adjoins the college and which is not in the ownership of her Department; her views on whether the development of the facilities has been slow and not in pace with the demand in view of the fact that the existing campus is fully occupied and that expansion is not possible without additional funds and land; if she will give urgent consideration to a detailed case made by the college to her on 3 October 1996; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20668/96]

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

An application in respect of the funding of an extension to and the acquisition of additional lands at the Regional Technical College, Tallaght has been received by my Department.

The proposed extension comprises lecture theatres, laboratories and staff accommodation. It is estimated to cost £14.5 million inclusive of fees, fittings, furniture and equipment.

As I indicated in my press release of 13 January 1994, a sum of £3.5 million was allocated under the 1994-99 European Regional Development Fund Programme for capital developments at the college. This sum remains available to the college and will allow construction work to commence on a phased basis on the project in early 1997. The implementation programme is on target and continues to accord with the approved expenditure profile of the 1994-99 European Regional Development Fund Programme.

Discussions are continuing between officials of my Department, the college authorities and the Valuation Office in respect of the need for and the cost of additional lands for the college.

I am fully aware of the exceptional growth and the excellent contribution that the Regional Technical College, Tallaght is making to the third level sector. However a decision in respect of further capital funding for the college will have to be taken in the context of other priorities and overall resource constraints.