Land Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022

Tuesday, 26 April 2022

Questions (1212)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

1212. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the reason for the delay in approving funding to purchase a landholding (details supplied) in County Waterford to expand the Waterford institute of Technology and South East Technological University footprint on which sale negotiations with WIT began in March 2021 with a sale agreement in principle reached in September 2021; the reason for any disparity in the evaluation treatment or process of acquiring this land-holding in Waterford versus the capacity to purchase lands at Galway Mayo Institute of Technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20628/22]

Written answers

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

My Department and the Higher Education Authority (HEA) continue to work closely with Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in relation to meeting requirements to deliver on the ambitions of the new Technological University.

WIT has prepared a detailed preliminary business case, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Spending Code, to examine options for expanded provision.  The final document was submitted to the HEA in late January 2022 and is under active consideration.  The Deputy will appreciate that an investment of the scale proposed by WIT requires detailed assessment, including full review of available options, in order to ensure that value for money is secured for the taxpayer. 

All property acquisition or capital development proposals involving public funds are subject to robust assessment, whether from WIT or other higher education institutions.