Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
96. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science for an update on the funding announced for Cavan IT; the plans for its development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40749/23]
View answerAs part of an ambitious new phase of capital investment launched in early 2022 for the Further Education sector, I was very happy to announce at the end of last year that Cavan Monaghan ETBs proposal for Cavan Town under the College of the Future Major Projects fund was successful at the first stage of the assessment process.
This proposal has moved to 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.
SOLAS are working closely with Cavan Monaghan ETB during the development phase of their proposal and Cavan Monaghan ETB along with all other successful ETBs are working to finalise their preliminary business cases.
The proposal will provide additional accommodation which will be complementary to and work in collaboration with the current FET Training campus to further consolidate provision of FET programmes at Levels 5 and 6, as well as apprenticeships from a centralised, flagship college.
To address interim accommodation needs, I have also approved the acquisition and fit out of a substantial modular unit for CMETB, facilitating the opening of the new Education and Training Facility for Cavan Institute at its FET Campus earlier this month. This facility gives 300 students access to a range of PLC programmes which will offer state of the art facilities for students and staff and allow for the further growth of Cavan Institute
Capital investment is a key priority for me and for my department and I recognise the importance of infrastructure development to support the FET sector to provide high quality campuses for our learners and teaching staff.
My officials and SOLAS will continue to work closely with Cavan Monaghan ETB to ensure that the appropriate infrastructures are in place to meet the needs of their learners and staff.
