Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 February 2021
652. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to increase the physical footprint of campuses in counties Waterford and Carlow as part of the technological university for the south east process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9511/21]
View answerIt is a priority for my Department to support higher education institutions in their critical role as drivers of social and economic development in their regions. Within this overall context, the creation of Technological Universities represents a radical reconfiguration of the higher education landscape, which will deliver significant benefits for regional development. This will be achieved through a strong focus on industry linkages, higher education access, and research-informed teaching and learning excellence across the full range of the National Framework of Qualifications.
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that there are two major Exchequer-funded projects in the pipeline which will significantly enhance higher education infrastructure in the South East and support the development of the new TU. An engineering, ICT and teaching building is planned for the WIT campus - the largest of all projects under the Higher Education Public Private Partnership Programme and a science and health building is planned for IT Carlow under the same programme.
I have been clear in my commitment to expanding the imprint of higher education across the south east region. This includes achieving a long term ambition of securing a more suitable site for IT Carlow's higher education provision in Wexford town and a larger footprint for higher education in Waterford - a city which is targeted for a compact and sustainable population growth of 50% under Project Ireland 2040. Officials from my Department and the HEA continue to have regular engagement with Waterford IT and IT Carlow in relation to future campus development plans. This is key to the wider strategy for the future TU for the South East.
