Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021

Wednesday, 13 October 2021

Questions (74)

Kieran O'Donnell

Question:

74. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way the funding for capital works and equipment at higher and further education institutions in Limerick will be disbursed; and if the funding will be put to use in the 2021-2022 academic year. [49853/21]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

It is a priority for my Department to support higher education institutions (HEIs) in their critical role as drivers of social and economic development in their regions. Funding for capital works is generally distributed through the HEA and SOLAS to higher education institutions and ETBs in the form of project-specific grants or devolved grant type funding.

Specific projects which are currently identified for funding within the Limerick area include the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) Coonagh campus Engineering Building project, the TUS Moylish campus PPP STEM building, and mechanical and electrical works at Limerick College of Further Education.

The devolved capital grant funding which issues to the higher and further education sectors allows eligible HEIs and ETBs the flexibility to advance minor capital works (including health and safety works, access works, refurbishment and energy upgrades) and equipment purchase or renewal, including ICT. It is the responsibility of individual HEIs/ETBs to prioritise the works against which the funding will be deployed.

The full allocation for this capital grant scheme issued to the FET sector for the 2021 calendar year in April 2021. An initial round of funding issued to the HE sector for the 2021/2022 academic year in August 2021 with a further tranche due to issue before the year end.

The recently launched National Development Plan confirmed overall capital allocations for the period to 2025. I expect competitive programmes to be launched in the coming months that will allow HEIs and ETBs, including those in Limerick, to put forward additional proposals that address strategic priorities for the sector.