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Institutes of Technology

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 February 2022

Wednesday, 2 February 2022

Questions (111)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

111. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science his plans to enlarge the Waterford Institute of Technology campus area through land acquisition; the existing land ownership holding presently available to WIT area in acres by combining its assets on the Cork Road and Carraiganore and any other areas in its ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5289/22]

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Written answers

I have been clear in my commitment to expanding the imprint of higher education across the south east region. This includes achieving 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.

Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) has been 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. A Preliminary Business Case is scheduled to be received from WIT by the Higher Education Authority (HEA) this week.

Detail of the assets in the ownership of WIT is a matter for WIT authorities in the first instance. However, the Preliminary Business Case will take account of land available to WIT in appraising the options for expansion.

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