Further and Higher Education

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023

Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Questions (744)

Matt Shanahan

Question:

744. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science regarding the announcement of a construction tender award for the long-awaited PPP funded engineering building block to the old Waterford IT campus and given the statement by the Taoiseach (details supplied), his views on a calendar date for this tender award to be achieved; if he will give a guaranteed date for the award of this construction contract, given that this project is now over five years overdue based on the last commitment from the previous Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22521/23]

Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (Deputy Simon Harris)

The proposed engineering, computing and general teaching building for the South East Technological University (SETU) Waterford, forms part of the Higher Education PPP Programme Bundle 2 project. The Bundle 2 procurement process is currently at tender stage. The competitive dialogue remains ongoing. Subject to the successful conclusion of the tender process, construction is due to commence in Q1 2024. As the procurement process is ongoing, it is not possible at this point to give a date for when the construction contract will be awarded.