Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 October 2023
161. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on progress with regard to (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45079/23]
View answerI thank the Deputy for raising this question. The Deputy will be aware that late last year I was very happy to announce that Dublin Dun Laoghaire ETBs (DDLETB) proposal for Fingal/Swords under the FET College of the Future Major Projects fund was successful at the first stage of the assessment process.
The proposal put forward by DDLETB is to transform FET provision in the area by adding a 1,000-place college and enabling an additional 6,000 beneficiaries of FET annually in the region to drive its economic growth and social development.
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 original date for receipt by SOLAS of the preliminary business case submissions was the 30th of September, however ETBs sought additional time and now have until the 12th of January 2024 to submit their completed preliminary business cases.
The site preference for the Fingal College of Further Education and Training is Swords due to its population base and future growth projections. In that respect, officials from my Department are meeting SOLAS, DDLETB and the Local Authority in November to look at potential site options for the proposed college.
I would also like to make the Deputy aware, that last year I also approved the appointment of a design team for another key proposal put forward by DDLETB in Clondalkin under the Strategic Infrastructure Upgrade Fund. This investment will support the removal of temporary accommodation, the provision of new accommodation and the remediation of the existing building at their FET Centre in Clondalkin.
Capital investment in the FET Sector remains a key priority for me and for my department and I recognise the importance of developing infrastructure to support the FET sector to provide high quality campuses for our learners and teaching staff.
