Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 October 2021
86. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to acquire sites in counties Waterford and Wexford and the level of capital allocation required to develop these sites into the future in respect of the commitment given in the National Development Plan to develop the footprint of a university of the southeast offering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49848/21]
View answerAs the Deputy will appreciate, the detail of any site acquisition process must remain commercially sensitive. However, I have been clear in my commitment to expanding the imprint of higher education across the south east region. This includes a larger footprint for higher education in Waterford and the acquisition of a site to accommodate a purpose-built campus in Wexford.
I can confirm that IT Carlow has been approved, within certain value for money parameters, to acquire suitable lands in Wexford to facilitate the development of a new campus there.
WIT is currently undertaking an appraisal process, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, to examine options for expanded provision. This analysis takes account of factors such as the planned population growth in Waterford, regional and national skills needs, and existing campus capacity.
The level of capital costs of future campus development can only be determined following a detailed planning and design process and investment is likely to be on a phased basis. My Department and the HEA will work closely with the institutions involved in relation to future planning.
