Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
111. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science further to Parliamentary Question No. 121 of 1 June 2023, for a status update on the proposed new further education college in Galway city; the status of the development of the preliminary business case; if it has been completed and returned to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40732/23]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that late last year I announced that Galway Roscommon ETBs (GRETBs) strategic proposal to develop a Further Education College in Galway city was successful at the first stage of the assessment process under the FET College of the Future Major Projects Fund.
This proposal is now at the next stage of development, which involves the development of a preliminary business case which is a fundamental part of the public spending code requirements.
The proposal put forward by Galway Roscommon ETB envisages the development of a new state-of-the-art FET campus on a site adjacent to its Mervue Training facility. This proposed new development would facilitate the strengthening of FET provision in Galway City and the wider region due to its close proximity to the training Centre in Mervue, Atlantic Technological University and the University of Galway.
Following my update to the Deputy earlier this year, SOLAS has continued to work closely with GRETB and all other successful ETBs during the development phase of their proposal. ETBs will shortly complete and return their preliminary business cases to SOLAS for evaluation.
I would also like to let the Deputy know that earlier this month my Department gave approval to appoint a design team under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund for two proposals put forward by GRETB in Petersburg and Mervue. The investment in Petersburg will support the development of a number of courses including a specialist arboreal apprenticeship provision while the project in Mervue involves the creation of a Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) Hub.
I remain firmly committed to supporting Further Education Institutes and the wider sector in achieving their vision for FET education and provision and ensuring that we have the appropriate infrastructure to support our learners and teaching staff.
