Third Level Facilities

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 October 2016

Tuesday, 11 October 2016

Questions (119)

John Lahart

Question:

119. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will consider allocating funding to a third level college (details supplied) for a new library to replace the existing building, constructed in 1978 to accommodate 750 students and accommodate only 250 study spaces, while the college population now exceeds 3,400 students; his views that the college requires extra library space; if his attention has been drawn to the impact that the lack of library facilities can have on the progression of students through college; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29381/16]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

The Department of Education and Skills has been made aware of the challenges faced by the third level institution in question with respect to its current library facilities.

There are many competing demands on the limited capital budget for higher education and the library development proposal will be considered within the context of competing demands. I am not in a position to commit to a funding allocation at this point.