Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2022

Wednesday, 7 December 2022

Questions (93)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

93. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of the application by Cork Education and Training Board under the strategic infrastructure investment fund for the development of a new centre for Youthreach in Macroom, County Cork; if his Department has finalised a site acquisition process to be applied in respect of this development; if such a process is required; when his Department will notify Cork Education and Training Board of its decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61189/22]

Written answers

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

The primary focus of the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund (SIUF) is to support ETB capital projects that will upgrade existing FET infrastructure and provide a high quality teaching and learning environment, aligned with the principles of the FET College of the Future.

The assessment of all proposals received under this programme call was recently completed, by an evaluation team, which was led by SOLAS and included representation from DFHERIS. Cork ETB’s proposal for a purpose built Youthreach facility in Macroom was evaluated as part of this process, but was deemed to require further interrogation in particular around the site appraisal and site options. This proposal will remain under consideration as part of this programme call and will be subject to further engagement between SOLAS and Cork ETB over the coming period.

The Deputy will be pleased to know that Cork ETB’s second proposal which will see the development of a new facility on the Mallow Further Education College Campus to consolidate FET services onto one site was successful. This proposal is one of 13 projects which will now progress to the next stage of development through the design stage.