Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 March 2022
111. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the planned capital allocation for Cavan Institute; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12760/22]
View answer118. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the progress that has been made regarding a new campus for Cavan Institute; the timeline for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12761/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 118 together.
On the 14th February last, I announced the parameters of an ambitious new phase of capital investment in the further education and training sector. The investment will include:
- A FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund, supporting projects to drive reform of the FET sector, including consolidation of provision in high quality facilities, integration of further education and training, realisation of centres of excellence and unifiedertiary planning; and
- A Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund, supporting smaller-scale investments in existing FET infrastructure which are also aligned with FET College of the Future principles
The Cavan Institute project was previously part of the school building programme, prior to the establishment of my Department. It has been agreed that the Cavan Institute project will now be advanced as part of the new FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund, subject to meeting Public Spending Code requirements.
The next step is that Cavan Monaghan ETB must submit a Strategic Assessment Report to SOLAS. The relevant guidance and template has been provided to the ETB.
