Seanad Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Mar 1997

Vol. 150 No. 14

Adjournment Matters. - Tallaght RTC Extension.

Mr. Hayes

I want to discuss the present overcrowding in Tallaght regional technical college. The Minister has done a lot to develop the regional technical college model over the past five years, so I know she is concerned about this issue.

Over 1,500 people are involved in second chance education in Tallaght regional technical college since it was established. It is a major centre of learning for the entire south county region. However, the college is facing a crisis in terms of space. There are currently 1,650 students in the college but there is only space for 900. The extension of Tallaght regional technical college has been on the agenda for some time. I and the students and staff at the regional technical college are confident that a new extension would help to alleviate this problem of overcrowding.

A huge number of young people are under the age of 18 and they will avail of third level education over the next 20 years. Tallaght is the third largest conurbation in the country and we want to develop the excellent educational facility there to link in with the many new technology based industries which have located in the south-west region of Dublin.

I appreciate the Minister coming to the House to take this issue and look forward to her reply.

Minister for Education (Ms Bhreathnach)

I am grateful to the Senator for raising the question and I am glad of the opportunity to advise the House on the matter. The first phase of Tallaght regional technical college was completed in 1992 and was designed to cater for a stock of 1,000 full-time third level students. An application in respect of the funding for an extension to the college was received by the Department of Education from the college authorities. The proposed extension comprises lectures theatres, laboratories and staff accommodation. It is estimated to cost £14.5 million, inclusive of building, fees, fittings, furniture and equipment. As indicated in the Department's press release of 13 January 1994, a sum of £3.5 million was allocated under the 1994-9 third level European Regional Development Fund programme for capital developments at the college. I am pleased to confirm that this sum remains available to the college and will allow construction work to commence on the first phase of the extension during 1997.

My Department is giving consideration at present to the remaining phases of the extension to the college. A decision in respect of the provision of further capital funding for the project will be taken in the context of other priorities and overall resources available.