Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022
107. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress made regarding a new campus for Cavan Institute at Cathedral Road, Drumalee, Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6369/22]
View answer142. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the new capital build for Cavan Institute including the site location and timeline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6368/22]
View answer515. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the provision of additional accommodation for a college (details supplied) can be progressed at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6433/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 107, 142 and 515 together.
The new National Development Plan (NDP) provides for a step up in capital funding and a significantly more ambitious phase of capital investment in the FET sector. My Department, in conjunction with SOLAS, has undertaken significant planning work to build up the governance, strategic framework and delivery capability required to underpin and support this major programme of FET investment.
I will shortly confirm a framework for applications for new FET capital projects, in line with the provisions of the Public Spending Code and the Future FET Strategy. This will provide Education and Training Boards (ETBs) with a process to put forward new projects that will both upgrade and enhance FET infrastructure and that will advance the priorities of the Future FET Strategy – building skills, fostering inclusion and facilitating pathways.
A project for permanent accommodation for Cavan Institute will be considered as part of this next investment phase, noting that the project was previously part of the school building programme, prior to the establishment of my Department. Cavan Monaghan ETB will be required to submit a proposal in line with the framework established for FET major capital projects and in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code. This process will allow options to be considered in relation to the potential campus location and other relevant project parameters.
