Liam Aylward
Question:1083 Mr. Aylward asked the Minister for Education and Science the progress to date on his initiative to develop higher education centres in local regions and, in particular, in Kilkenny. [21734/01]
Written Answers. - Outreach Programmes.
I have set aside funding to meet the cost of developing reach-out provision in Wexford and have approved the appointment of a head of centre to draw up a project plan and drive the project forward. This post was advertised recently and an appointment will be made on completion of the recruitment process.
In relation to the project in Kilkenny, as the Deputy will be aware, NUI Maynooth established the Kilkenny outreach campus in St. Kieran's college, Kilkenny in 1997. I have recently agreed to fund this pilot project on a five year basis. The Higher Education Authority is in discussion with the university regarding the level of funding required and I expect to receive the outcome of these discussions in the near future. Proposals for similar initiatives in other areas will be reviewed in light of the experience gained from the development of the centres in Wexford and Kilkenny.